By Aaron Recuenco
Despite President Duterte's declaration that he does not trust her, the Philippine National Police (PNP) sees Vice President Leni Robredo as an ally in the aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.
Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa
(Police Regional Office 10 / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP Officer-In-Charge, said they have been also supportive of the Vice President as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs (ICAD) as he rejected criticisms that heads of law enforcement agencies have been ganging up on her.
"Of course, oo naman," said Gamboa when asked if he sees Robredo as an ally and not an enemy in the drug war.
Gamboa's statement came amid criticisms that the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) through Director General Aaron Aquino, along with Duterte's allies, appear to be working together to ensure that Robredo fails in her new post.
Aquino was earlier reported to have denied Robredo’s request to have a list of drug high-value targets, a position supported by Gamboa.
Recently, Duterte lashed out at Robredo for talking to international groups perceived by his administration as enemies of the drug war and declared that he does not trust her.
But for Gamboa, the PNP and other members of ICAD have been supportive of Robredo since Duterte appointed her to the post.
"We support her. Lest, we would have not attended the meetings with her," said Gamboa.
The seemingly cold treatment being given by some ICAD members, as well as confusing statements of some officials, have prompted Robredo to write a letter to Duterte for a clear definition of her role.
Gamboa earlier said that it is better that Robredo focus on the preventive and rehabilitation aspects of the drug war instead of participating in the law enforcement side.