Sen. Francis Pangilinan has protested the appointment of Senior Supt. Albert Ignatius Ferro as the new antidrug chief, saying his former unit was allegedly involved in the kidnap-slay of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo last year.
“The police would only be emboldened not to do the right thing and abuse their authority because of that promotion instead of punishment awaiting them,” Pangilinan said.
Ferro used to head the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group, which was dissolved after its police officers were accused of abducting and killing Jee in October 2016.
Ferro has been appointed as the new commander of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group.
Pangilinan said there were many others in the PNP who deserved to head the antidrug unit.
“How can the people trust the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs if those people spearheading it are involved in controversy like the Jee Ick-joo case?” Pangilinan asked. —Christine O. Avendaño