MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will start validating and adjudicating the cases of police officers allegedly involved in illegal drugs on Thursday, Feb. 13, national police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Wednesday.
Gamboa earlier revealed that 357 cops are being probed for alleged involvement in illegal drugs, 15 of which have already availed optional retirement while 43 have gone AWOL (absent without leave). They will no longer be adjudicated, he added.
Adjudication is an administrative procedure where the cases of rogue police officers are heard by the PNP’s adjudication boards.
Gamboa earlier said police officers will be processed through the regional, national support unit, or directorial staff adjudication boards, where they will be adjudicated for a week.
READ: Gamboa: 14 cops want to retire after being tagged in illegal drugs
“Probably tomorrow mag-start na ‘yung regional adjudication boards. Medyo kumonti na yung i-adjudicate natin, the remaining ‘yun na lang ang ita-try natin sa adjudication board,” he told reporters in an interview in Camp Crame.
(The regional adjudication boards will probably start tomorrow. The number of cops that needs to be adjudicated has decreased.)
Gamboa clarified that those who opted for retirement will not be cleared while policemen who went AWOL will face administrative charges.
Once adjudication starts, Gamboa said police officers will no longer be allowed to opt for optional retirement.
“Kapag nagsimula kasi yung adjudication at alam niyo parang sa proseso yan sa korte. Kapag nagsimula nang mag isip ang huwes eh limitado na yung mga puwede mong i-offer na evidence, ganun ‘yun,” he said.
(When the adjudication starts, the evidence that the prosecution can offer will be limited.)
Gamboa refused to identify the police officers that have alleged links to the illegal drug trade. He however added that the police officers are included in the drugs watchlist of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Once the validation and adjudication process is completed, the PNP will submit its results and recommendations to the President, said Gamboa.
Gamboa said the President will have the final say on the fate of police officers will be proven to be involved in illegal drugs.