By Hannah Torregoza
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday reiterated that his records are clean despite the fact higher authorities had earlier included him in the investigation into the case of the 13 ‘ninja cops’ who launched a drug buy-bust in Mexico, Pampanga in 2013.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde (Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN)
Returning at the Senate’s investigation into the alleged involvement of police officers in the recycling of illegal drugs, Albayalde recalled the chronology of events on how he submitted to the investigation initiated by then former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Benjamin Magalong.
During the hearing, former PNP chief and retired general Alan Purisima confirmed that he instructed Magalong to conduct the probe on P/Major Rodney Baloyo and Retired Gen. Raul Delfin Petrasanta confirmed they authorized the probe after noticing that Baloyo and his men bought new sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
“Records will show sir that even during that time, I was not even included. Higher authority na po yung nag conduct nung (investigation) sir,” Albayalde told the Senate committees on justice and human rights and public accountability chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon.
“Yun lang gusto kong i-stress dito Mr. Chairman. I would really like to thank you para ma-klaro lahat ng dito,” Albayalde stressed.
As to why he did not make a motion for reconsideration when he was relieved as then Pampanga police director and put on floating status for eight months, Albayalde insisted it is not part of the culture of the police force to complain over orders imposed by their superiors.
“Alam po ni Sen. (Panfilo ) Lacson yan sir. Pagka- floating ka, we just follow orders. And you wait for the right timing,” Albayalde said.
Lacson, who was also at the hearing, confirmed this to Gordon.
“Not to defend Gen. Albayalde; part of the training, basic principles of PMA (Philippine Military Academy), he who does not obey is not fit to command. We follow,” Lacson told fellow senators present in the hearing.
“I beg your indulgence, culture sa military and police ang aming kinahihinatnan. We never question why we were relieved. We never question our superior officers. There’s no such thing in the military or police organization,” Lacson explained.
Lacson said that is one of the differences in the culture of civilian and military or police operations.
“Iba ang kultura sa civilian sector especially sa civil government, na pwede mag-motion for reconsideration. Sa amin po hindi ganoon. Pag ikaw tinanggal ka, without asking why, we follow,” he emphasized.