Reemergence of ‘ninja cops’ concerns Bong Go, tells authorities to address issue

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to continue maintaining discipline among the nation’s police force in light of reports that the “ninja cops” issue or police officers involved in illegal drugs have reappeared.

“Trabaho po ng pamunuan ng PNP and of course, ng ating secretary of DILG, na silipin, tingnan nang mabuti at disiplinahin ang kanilang hanay kung sakali mang totoo na bumalik ang ninja cops,” said Go in an ambush interview after aiding residents in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on Monday, December 19.

(It is the job of the PNP and DILG to look into this, check and discipline their ranks in the PNP to determine if ninja cops have really resurfaced.)

Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, was arrested in October this year in a drug bust involving P6.7-billion worth of crystal methamphetamine (or “shabu”), according to Senator Ronald dela Rosa, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.

Dela Rosa said that he had discussed the issue with Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who assured him that the DILG is on top of it. Dela Rosa has also expressed his approval of the police’s current efforts, which include the apprehension of Mayo.

Meanwhile, Go said that despite the actions of a few dishonest police officers, there are more trustworthy officers who perform their duties with honesty and integrity.

“Disiplinahin po, mas alam po nila ang kanilang trabaho. Ako naman, naniniwala akong mas maraming pulis na matitino, maaayos magtatrabaho lalung-lalo na po noong panahon ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, talagang disiplinado ang mga pulis,” said Go.

(Discipline them. They know what they are doing. For me, I believe there are still good and honest police officers who are working diligently, especially during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte, when policemen truly have discipline.)

Go also acknowledged the PNP’s role in combating crime, illegal drugs, and terrorism in the country, expressing his satisfaction with their achievements. He is also confident that the institution will be able to purge its ranks and combat corruption.

“At hindi magiging successful ang kampanya ni (dating) pangulong Duterte na labanan po ang iligal na droga at kriminalidad kung hindi po sa tulong ng ating mga pulis. Ako po ay naniniwala na kaya nilang linisin ang sarili nilang hanay,” he maintained.

(And the war on drugs campaign of former president Duterte would not be successful if not for the help of our policemen.)

Even before taking a seat in the Senate, Go, the Special Assistant to then president Duterte, was instrumental in pushing for the salary increase of all military and uniformed personnel in the government.

Go also filed Senate Bill No. 422, which shall provide free legal assistance to any officer or enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or PNP, who is facing before the prosecutor’s office, court, or any competent body, any charge arising from an incident related to the performance of official duty.

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