Albayalde: No evidence, proof linking me to ‘ninja cops’

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Monday stressed that there is no proof he was in cahoots with the 13 police officers involved in the controversial anti-drug operation in Pampanga in 2013.

Albayalde said that since the start of the Senate investigation on the so-called “ninja cops,” there has been no proof to support the supposed exposé of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong Jr. or even a photo of the SUV he allegedly brought after the drug haul.

Magalong, before he was elected mayor, served as PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief.

“Magmula noong magmula ‘yung (Since the start of the) Senate hearing, not a single proof, except of course [only] accusations, [were presented],” Albayalde said in an interview with reporters after the turnover of supervision of the National Police Training Institute from the Philippine Public Safety College to the PNP at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna.

He added no evidence or statement from another resource person corroborated the accusation of Magalong that it was impossible for him not to have spotted irregularities in the big-time anti-drug operation.

The PNP chief said this a day after President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants to see “clear proof” that Albayalde “was indeed there in the trafficking of drugs” following his arrival from his official trip to Russia.

READ: Duterte wants ‘clear proof’ vs Albayalde in ‘ninja cops’ case

Albayalde, who is set to retire on November 8, 2019, said he is grateful for Duterte’s continued trust and confidence on his leadership of the 190-000-strong national police force.

He added he is thankful to the President and to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año for giving him an opportunity to be heard in a proper investigation.

READ: DILG starts probe on ‘ninja cops’ — Año

“You know, the President is very intelligent, and he is a lawyer. He decides on evidence, not on accusations. It is very easy to accuse a person and say anything without any proof,” he said.

He also said he had ordered the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to lead the review of the administrative cases against the 13 Pampanga police officers in coordination with the Internal Affairs Service to “initiate possible summary dismissal proceedings” against them.

Albayalde said he directed the DIDM to ensure that all the 13 policemen will remain accounted for at the administrative and holding units of the PNP to ensure their availability to face investigation.

“No stone will be left unturned and there will be no sacred cows in this investigation. I am serving notice to all PNP units and personnel to fully cooperate with the Department of Justice for the reopening or review of the case, as well as the inquiry by the different PNP investigating bodies by making available all necessary records that will be required, including testimonies of personnel,” he said. /gsg