Incumbent and former police generals named by President Rodrigo Duterte as alleged protectors of drug lords have denied the accusations being hurled against them.
In separate media interviews, four out five top police officials named by the President denied alleged involvement in illegal drug trade or protection of drug syndicates.
Former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Joel Pagdilao said he has been fighting drugs in the past years of his police service, adding that he can clear his name against accusations.
READ: Ex-NCRPO chief Pagdilao denies coddling drug lords
““Wala pong katotohanan na ako po ay protector ng iligal na droga. Tayo po ay lumalaban, matagal na po tayong lumalaban diyan,” Pagdilao said in a brief interview on ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, expressing his willingness to be subjected to a lifestyle check.
Former Western Visayas police director Gen. Bernardo Diaz said wrong information reached Duterte, while former general Vicente Loot, who is now mayor of Daanbantayan in Cebu, cried politics.
Citing drug-related deaths of family members and relatives, Diaz said he has personal reasons not to be involved in drug trade. For his part, Loot said he has been a “perennial victim” of black propaganda since his wife, also a former mayor, entered politics.
NCRPO Regional Director Joel Pagdilao, Gen Vicente Loot, QCPD Director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, Gen. Marcelo Garbo. INQUIRER/CDN FILE PHOTOS
READ: ‘Gen. Diaz’ denies involvement in drugs, cites misinformation | Ex-general Loot cries politics over drug trade tag
Both Diaz and Loot vowed to submit themselves to authorities for proper investigation so they can clear their names.
READ: Diaz, Loot vow: We will clear our names
Meanwhile, former Quezon City Police District director Edgardo Tinio said Duterte’s accusation was grave, as he vowed to report to Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa.
PNP deputy director Marcelo Garbo Jr. has yet to issue a statement. TVJ
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