Espenido may seek government protection

The Palace on Thursday said that controversial police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido may seek protection from the government if he fears for his life after being tagged in President Duterte’s narcolist.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President will not allow any harm outside of legal processes to come to anyone, including Espenido, who has often been described as a “drug warrior” for his bloody record during drug operations.

Espenido was confirmed to be among the 357 policemen on the drug list. —Julie M. Aurelio