PACC: Releasing info on ‘ninja cops’ may impede probe

MANILA, Philippines — Making public the information shared during a Senate executive session on the so-called ninja cops — officers allegedly involved in the recycling of illegal drugs — impede ongoing operations, Commissioner Manuelito Luna of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) said on Tuesday night.

Luna issued that statement after the Senate agreed to authorize the Committee on Justice to disclose the contents of its executive session on police officers allegedly involved in the so-called agaw-bato scheme — which involves police officers selling illegal drugs seized in operations.

“The contents of the executive session should be made available to requesting parties in accordance with the constitutional guaranty of access to information of public concern and the rules of the Senate,” Luna said in a statement.

“Given the sensitive nature of the information, only a number of individuals or agencies and, subject to certain limitations, should be afforded access to the same,” he explained.

A total of 17 out of 24 senators voted in favor of the motion, which was raised by Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

READ: BREAKING: Senate OKs release of executive session contents on ‘ninja cops’

Dela Rosa explained that “there have been speculations circulating around” concerning the alleged involvement of the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayade, in the scheme.

The senator, who previously served as PNP chief, said that it was “very unfair” for Albayalde to be dragged into the scheme, which had not been proven to be true.

READ: Active PNP exec is ‘protecting cops’ involved in drug trade–Drilon

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