Palace confirms Duterte’s disappointment over ‘ninja cops’ mess

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesman Salvador Panleo confirmed on Thursday President Rodrigo Duterte’s expressed disappointment over the “ninja cops” issue now hounding the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“He just expressed disappointment. Yun lang ang macoconfirm ko. The rest, hindi ko na maconfirm,” Panelo said in a press briefing.

(He expressed disappointment. That’s what I can only confirm. I can’t confirm the rest.)

Panelo said Duterte was disappointed over the supposed involvement of police officers in illegal drugs despite the increase in their salaries.”Ninja cops” refer to police officers engaged in the reselling of illegal drugs seized in drug raids.

“He expressed disappointment over certain, yun nga, yung incident on the ninja cops. Sabi niya, dinagdagan na niya ang sweldo, dinoble na, pero parang hindi pa rin…ayun, nangyari pa rin yun,” Panelo added.

(He expressed disappointment over the incident on ninja cops. He said, despite increasing or even doubling their salaries, it still happened.)

A media report earlier said the President expressed disappointment over the involvement of some police officers in illegal drug activities during a meeting with top police officials.

Meanwhile, the PNP earlier said it understands the President’s disappointment and said it will remain committed to the fight against illegal drugs and the cleansing of its ranks. Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa was appointed as PNP’s officer-in-charge.

READ: PNP understands Duterte’s ‘utmost disappointment’ amid ‘ninja cops’ issue

Gen. Oscar Albayalde announced Monday he sought a non-duty status as PNP chief, just weeks before his mandatory retirement on November 8.

Albayalde was linked to drug recycling during a Senate probe on “ninja cops” by former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and now Baguio city mayor Benjamin Magalong.  /muf

READ: BREAKING: Albayalde steps down as PNP chief