MANILA, Philippines — It will be a “national disappointment” if the Duterte administration would choose not to file administrative and criminal charges against resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and other erring police officers.
Gordon aired this sentiment on Monday after Albayalde relinquished his post as the country’s top cop amid the probe on his alleged involvement in the alleged drug recycling in Pampanga in 2013.
READ: Albayalde steps down as PNP chief
“That will be a national disappointment,” Gordon told reporters in an interview when asked of his comment if the government would not file a case against Albayalde among others.
“They should dig up cases. We already dug up cases. The administration should dig up cases for us to have strong evidence,” he added, speaking in Filipino.
He added that it would be a “good opportunity” for President Rodrigo Duterte to show that he did would not give special treatment to erring subordinates. “It would be good for the President if he would pursue cases against those erring cops.”
At the very least, Albayalde is facing charges for neglect of duty, corruption, conspiracy, and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165), among others, Gordon said.
The filing of charges should also include the 13 Pampanga police officers who were involved in the irregular drug sting in Mexico, Pampanga, on Nov. 29, 2013, where they are accused of pilfering millions worth of illegal drugs.
They were found guilty for grave misconduct in 2014 for failing to account for all confiscated evidence during the operation.
It will be up to the Department of Justice and the Office of Ombudsman to file the criminal complaints against Albayalde, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will have to handle the administrative cases against the resigned PNP chief.
Gordon, who chairs the Senate blue ribbon and justice and human rights committee, said that the committee would release its report and recommendations later this week.
/atm