Gordon pushes for separate probe vs Albayalde over Pampanga ‘ninja cops’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde should be investigated for administrative and criminal charges over his alleged involvement in the November 2013 irregular drug sting in Mexico, Pampanga, Senator Richard Gordon said Thursday.

During the Senate inquiry, it was learned that there were irregularities during the drug sting conducted by 13 Pampanga police officers in 2013, where Albayalde’s men were accused of not following the rules of engagement nor the proper procedure during the operation.

Albayalde was the Pampanga police provincial director during the time. He was also ordered relieved over the questionable operation for command responsibility.

“Yes, it should include him. There should be a fair and impartial investigation,” Gordon told reporters in an interview when asked if there should be a reinvestigation of the 2013 anti-drug operation.

Asked if the charges could be administrative, the senator answered: “Could be criminal. It could grow to criminal.”

The senator maintained that Albayalde should have known the procedures of the operation, however, he said that Albayalde “did not care” and was “negligent.”

“Giving him the benefit of the doubt he was negligent but like I said if I were going to be all out, I could not accept that. That was drug operation. Dapat bantay niya yan [He should’ve closely monitored that],” he said.

Gordon added that Albayalde should be “held accountable” and “own up to the problem he has created.” /jpv

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