Dela Rosa backs PNP move to let ‘Bikoy’ speak

MANILA, Philippines  – Senator-elect Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday came to the defense of the Philippine National Police (PNP) which drew flak for allowing Peter Joemel Advincula, the man who claimed to be “Bikoy” in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos, to withdraw his allegations against President Duterte’s family and allies through a press conference.

Dela Rosa said PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde was correct in allowing Advincula to address the public.

“In the interest of transparency, tama yung ginawa ni chief PNP kahapon na hinayaan nyang magsalita [si Bikoy],” Dela Rosa said.

“Basta ang importante wala sa isip ng chief PNP na gawing propaganda si Bikoy” he added.

“Kapag pinigilan ng PNP yon, hindi pinagsalita sa press conference sabihin ng media na may tinatago ang PNP. Ngayong pinagsasalita naman, sasabihin naman ng media na si Bikoy ay ginagamit ng PNP as a propaganda instrument sa administration. So saan ngayon pupunta ang PNP?,” the senator-elect pointed out.

“Gusto man nyo ng katotohanan, you are yearning for information, sige pagsalitain yan,” he added.

On Thursday, Advincula showed up in Camp Crame and recanted his previous allegation that President Rodrigo Duterte’s family and allies are involved in the drug trade and instead claimed that the  Liberal Party and Duterte critic Senator Antonio Trillanes IV orchestrated the release of the videos.  (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)

READ: Peter ‘Bikoy’ Advincula in police custody — PNP

READ: ‘Bikoy’ says claims in narco videos are lies, tags LP, Trillanes