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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Are you referring to the past leaderships? PNP seeks evidence from Espenido's 'biggest crime group' statement in House hearing

Are you referring to the past leaderships? PNP seeks evidence from Espenido's 'biggest crime group' statement in House hearing

Published Aug 29, 2024 08:00 am

The Philippine National Police (PNP) wants Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido to present pieces of evidence proving that the organization is indeed the biggest crime group in the country.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the statement of Espenido during the Quad-Committee hearing of the House of Representatives is sweeping and affects the entire police organization.

“We don’t know where his allegations are coming from, nonetheless, it casted doubt on the integrity of the entire PNP. We are not talking about one single PNP officer but he was talking about the entire organization,” said Fajardo.

Espenido gained popularity at the height of the drug war, especially with his active participation in running after alleged top illegal drugs personalities in Albuera, Leyte and in Ozamiz City—two of those who died are mayors.

But in a surprising turn of events, he was later accused as involved in illegal drugs activities—an allegation which Espenido repeatedly denied. 

Espenido’s appearance in the hearing on drug war surprised a lot of PNP personnel, especially when he started citing names whom he alleged to be protectors of illegal drugs.

“He has to answer for all his claims. We have to ask him for the proof. Accusation is one thing but proof is another thing. On the part of the PNP, the PNP is also curious about his pieces of evidence. If he has pieces of evidence, then we will help him,” said Fajardo.

“These are serious accusations and allegations. The PNP is open to anyone who could present pieces of evidence against anybody and we will not tolerate it,” she added.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Aug. 29, Fajardo said they also want to know if Espenido was referring to the past PNP leadership when he declared that the police organization is the biggest crime syndicate in the country.

“We cannot say if the context of what he was saying was on the past leadership or does it still apply today. So we have to but it’s quite unfair to include the entire organization because definitely, the PNP was not established to commit crimes,” said Fajardo. 

 

 

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Philippine National Police drug war
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