Senate to resume ‘ninja cop’ probe on Oct. 9

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is set to resume its probe on the so-called “ninja cops” or policemen who allegedly engage on the recycling or reselling of seized illegal drugs on Wednesday, October 9.

Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate justice and human rights committee leading the inquiry, said that there will new witnesses that will come forward and new evidence that will be presented.

He added that the hearing will also give embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde a chance to clear his name and answer questions about the issue.

“The people have a right to know how these ‘ninja cops,’ these corrupt cops, operate and they are entitled to justice. People want to know that the policeman that they have work for them,” Gordon said in a statement.

“That they are still working for their welfare, for their safety. Having these corrupt cops is like being trapped in a hen house with a ravenous python,” he added.

Gordon maintained that policemen engaging in the drug trade is a “betrayal of the President” as they “have been paid well, ahead of the teachers.”

“More importantly, they betray the people. They betray the people, they betray the President in spite of the fact that taxpayers’ money is given them to increase their salary,” he added.

In a press conference, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he expects something “explosive” during the resumption of the Senate inquiry as new witnesses and evidence will be presented.

He added that he signed nine subpoenas in connection with the ongoing investigation.

“I think there will be new evidence and one or two witnesses. New evidence for sure because I signed about nine subpoenas last night,” he said. /je

READ: Sotto: Expect something explosive as new evidence, witnesses appear vs ‘ninja cops’