Go: Duterte wants transcript naming ‘ninja cops’

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher Go said President Rodrigo Duterte had instructed him to secure a copy of the transcript of the Senate executive session where Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong gave the names of active and retired policemen allegedly selling illegal drugs seized during arrests.

Senate blue ribbon chair Richard Gordon, head of the legislative probe, vowed to immediately send the full transcript where Magalong and officials of the Bureau of Corrections revealed what they knew about the collusion between so-called “ninja cops” and convicted drug lords serving time at the New Bilibid Prison.

Gordon described the revelations as “very shocking,” adding that Magalong — the former chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police — named at least 12 policemen, including two retired officials, behind the sale of “shabu” seized in drug operations.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the police force would not oppose the Senate’s transmittal.

“Let the axe fall where it may… The PNP has only the best interest of justice, fairness and good governance in uncovering the truth behind the alleged involvement of cops in recycling drug evidence,” Banac said.

Go, in an ambush interview on Wednesday, said President Duterte was “interested” in Magalong’s disclosure.

Addressing the ninja cops, Go said: “What you’re doing is unacceptable to President Duterte and even to me. It’s unforgivable. You’re like demons.”