Some cops probably now doubting Albayalde–PNP OIC

MANILA, Philippines — Doubt on the integrity of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde has started to seep in among the ranks of policemen amid allegations on his involvement in the questionable Pampanga anti-drug operation in 2013, PNP Officer-In-Charge Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said Tuesday, a day after Albayalde stepped down as the country’s top cop.

READ: PNP chief steps down amid drug charges

He said that there are policemen who have started to doubt whether Albayalde was telling the truth about accusations that he was protecting Pampanga policemen charged of reselling a huge haul of seized “shabu” (crystal meth).

“The personnel of the PNP are human beings also, so iba rin ang point of view ng iba, iba rin ‘yung point of view ng iba [some have their own points of view],” Gamboa said in an interview over ABS CBN News Channel.

When asked if some of the PNP personnel doubted Albayalde, Gamboa answered: “I would be honest, yes, probably.”

“Kasi mayroon namang mga taong naniniwalang ganoon eh. And tao lang din naman ang mga kapulisan [There are people who believe the accusations against Albayalde and the PNP personnel are just human],” he added.

Gamboa also admitted that the morale and integrity of PNP as a whole took “a bit” of a hit with the controversy of the so-called “ninja cops” or those who were allegedly recycling seized illegal drugs.

“‘Yung morale din ng tao na-lower din kasi siyempre the campaign was against illegal drugs and here is an implication. Ako, in my own opinion, parang talo kami. Ang general opinion talaga is leaning towards the other [Their morale has lowered because the campaign was against illegal drugs yet here is an implication. In my own opinion, we seem to be the underdogs because the general opinion is leaning towards the other side],” he said.

However, he said that the PNP will take the whole issue as a “lesson to do some more” and to “bring back what [the PNP] has lost.”

The PNP official also added that if ever there were doubts among the ranks of the PNP, their own opinion “should be distinct and separate from the organization.”

Albayalde stepping down from his post was deemed to be the “best option” not only for him but for the whole PNP, Gamboa said.

He admitted that the PNP is being “dragged” into the whole “ninja cop” controversy.

“We saw this coming because it’s actually the best option for him and for the organization as well. For him, because you saw how he was during the past few weeks during the Senate hearing, talagang exhausted siya, nakita mo physically [He looked exhausted]. And whether we like it or not, the organization is being dragged. It was best for himself and the organization as well,” Gamboa said. /jpv