PNP chief faces ‘ninja cops’ Senate probe

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday showed up at the Senate’s inquiry on “ninja cops” or police officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde arrives at the Senate on Tuesday. October 1, 2019 for the inquiry on “ninja cops” or police officers who recycle and re-sell seized illegal drugs. Photo by Daphne Galvez / INQUIRER.net

The existence of “ninja cops” or police officers who recycle and re-sell illegal drugs seized or confiscated during anti-drug operations, was bared during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s September 19 hearing.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who was a former PNP – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, revealed that corrupt police officers who recycle seized drugs, a racket known as “agaw bato,” do business with convicted drug lords locked up at the New Bilibid Prison.

READ: Magalong: Cops, convicted drug lords recycle ‘bato’

Magalong later revealed the names of alleged “ninja cops” during an executive session.

Albayalde was invited to the Senate inquiry amid speculations of his involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Senator Richard Gordon, chairperson of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee, also said “ninja cops” named during the executive session were also invited to Tuesday’s hearing.

READ: Albayalde, ninja cops will be invited to appear in Senate, says Gordon

Among those also invited are Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Magalong.  /gsg