‘Ninja, narco cops’ on close watch under PNP chief Sinas’ term
MANILA, Philippines — The Drug Enforcement Units in the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be on close tabs on the so-called “ninja cops” and narco cops, newly designated PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas revealed Tuesday.
“On the campaign against illegal drugs, we will revitalize different Drug Enforcement Units to focus their operations on anti-illegal drugs, in the apprehension of high-value targets or individuals, and in the identification and neutralization of the remaining ninja and narco cops, including [their] associates and associated networks,” Sinas said in a speech as he officially assumes his post during the PNP Change of Command at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“Ninja cops” is a term tagged for policemen involved in alleged pilfering and reselling illegal drugs. It surfaced in 2019 when a Senate hearing tackled the controversial 2013 anti-illegal drug operation in Pampanga.
Former PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde was implicated in the drug bust, which led him to step down.
Only personnel with no “reported or suspected involvement in illegal drugs” will be appointed in the police force’s DEU, Sinas said.
“We will fortify the competency of police operatives on anti-illegal drugs by equipping them with the right knowledge, skills, training, and equipment,” he also said.
Sinas, former chief of Central Visayas police, was previously accused of human rights violations in the province from 2018 to 2019. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said drug war deaths increased during Sinas’ term.
The CHR also said Sinas would refuse to share copies of police reports of killings in Central Visayas.
Strengthen efforts vs corrupt police
Under his leadership, Sinas said police personnel involved in corrupt acts would immediately face sanctions if found guilty.
“All personnel are directed not to play golf during office hours and to adhere [to] the directive of the president to comply with the prohibition of government officials and employees against going to gambling casinos. Any member of PNP involved in corrupt practices will be immediately investigated and dismissed from police service. If found guilty under the PNP disciplinary mechanism all in the proper court of law,” said Sinas, who is also facing a case for quarantine violations over the mañanita controversy.
Sinas also pushed for the swift resolution of administrative cases against errant police personnel by boosting the “disciplinary powers” in the PNP.
“Administrative cases will be resolved properly and immediately. Penalties will be implemented in order to remove, corrupt, undisciplined personnel in service,” Sinas said.
“To fast track decisions [of administrative cases], we will empower the different levels of commanders from NHU [National Headquarters Units], down to regional, provincial, city and municipal police stations to exercise their disciplinary powers to ensure all admin cases are resolved,” Sinas, former chief of Metro Manila police, further said.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently ordered the Department of Justice to investigate all corrupt practices in the government. Duterte issued the order in the wake of corruption allegations uncovered in the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Anti-gambling operations
The new PNP chief also vowed to rid all illegal gambling operations in the country.
“We will ensure to stop the operation of unlicensed gaming corporations as well as small-time illegal gambling operators in order to curb their unlawful operations,” he said.
Anti-criminality efforts
The top boss of the police force also sought an increase in police visibility for crime prevention efforts.
He said he would deploy most of his personnel to conduct fieldwork while a few will be assigned to administrative duties.
“On the campaign on criminality, police visibility will be strengthened to 15 and 85 [percent] deployment schemes wherein 15 percent will be deployed to do administrative functions and 85 [percent] will be in the field for more focused police operations, crime prevention, patrolling and police visibility,” Sinas said.
“This is to maximize the presence of policemen on the street with reducing street crimes and improving crime solution efficiency,” he added. [ac]
