PDEA chief on Acierto’s allegation: ‘A work of a desperate man’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino on Monday dismissed the allegation of former police colonel Eduardo Acierto that he is  protecting Michael Yang, saying that it is “a work of a desperate man.”

“Acierto’s claim that I am a protector of Michael Yang is a blatant lie. His accusation is completely baseless. I may say that this is the work of a desperate man,” Aquino said in a statement.

Acierto earlier alleged that President Rodrigo Duterte, former Philippine National Police chief General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, and Aquino are protecting a group led by Yang, whom he also earlier linked to drugs.

“How can he say I am a protector when I initiated investigations on Michael Yang activities from Day 1 that I was told about it? In fact, until now my Regional Directors are still gathering data about Michael Yang,” said Aquino.

“I am clean. My conscience is clean. And I can appear in any avenue to clear my name on this matter,” he said.

The PDEA chief also said he is also open to any investigation from other law enforcement agencies and investigating bodies in relation to Acierto’s claim. /ee

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