Probe of PNP generals linked to drug trade pushed

Surigao del Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Robert Ace Barbers. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers will push for a congressional investigation of the “nine generals” of the Philippine National Police allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade in the past but have remained scot-free until today.

Barbers, chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, issued the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte said in his last State of the Nation Address on Monday that he wanted the police generals investigated and held accountable.

In July 2016, just a few days after Duterte assumed the presidency, he identified five police generals — Marcelo Garbo, former Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot, Joel Pagdilao, Edgardo Tinio, and Bernardo Diaz —as being involved in the illegal drug trade.

“I think it’s plausible to have this issue investigated by Congress since, from what I’ve heard, none of them had been investigated nor were charged in court,” Barbers said in a statement.