PNP to Senate: Protect rights of ‘ninja cops’ against ‘undue persecution’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP)  appealed to the Senate on Wednesday to protect the rights of so-called “ninja cops” or those policemen allegedly involved in the “agaw-bato” scheme or drug recycling.

The PNP issued this request even if it said it “bows” to the decision of the Senate to divulge the names of its members purportedly embroiled in the recycling of illegal drugs confiscated during operations.

“Let the ax fall where it may,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.

“We bow to the discretion of the Senate if it so desires to make public the names of PNP members whom it tags as “ninja cops,” he added.

The  Senate has authorized its committee on justice to disclose to the public the contents of its executive session last week with former PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong Jr.,  including the identities of ninja cops.

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

“We request, however, that the Senate exercise due diligence in protecting the rights of these persons against undue persecution,” Banac then said.

“The PNP only has the best interest of justice, fairness and good governance in uncovering the truth behind the alleged involvement of cops in recycling drug evidence,” he added. /kga