MANILA, Philippines — In his message to retired Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. did not mention the former police chief’s efforts against illegal drugs during his stint.
While Marcos recognized Azurin’s accomplishments in peace and order, particularly in the campaigns against terrorism, carnapping, loose firearms, child abuse, gambling, smuggling, and other illegal operations, there was no mention of illegal drugs.
He, however, thanked Azurin for his “leadership and his service” to the PNP and the country.
“During your tenure, we have seen substantial accomplishments in the area of peace and order. The most significant ones are in the campaigns against terrorism, carnapping, loose firearms, child abuse, gambling, smuggling, and other illegal operations,” Marcos said in his speech during the change of command ceremony in Camp Crame.
“To General Azurin, thank you for dedicating the better part of your life to government service and in the cause of peace and order. Indeed, it was a demanding and perilous journey that you undertook with dedication, bravery, and selflessness,” he added.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. had alleged a massive attempt to cover up the irregularities in the seizure of almost a ton of “shabu” or crystal meth and attempted pilfering of the confiscated drugs in October last year.
While Azurin admitted their ongoing investigation has “opened a can of worms” about the extent of how illegal drugs had infiltrated the PNP, he defended the entanglement of his two generals in the controversy, saying such were “very unfair” and they should be afforded due process.
Inquirer.net has reached out to the Palace for comment on the issue.
READ: Azurin: No cover-up in drug bust