Duterte warns narco-cops: You’re the first to go
President Duterte renewed his warning to police to not involve themselves in the illegal drug trade as he assured them that they will be the first to go in the government’s drug war.
Duterte made the statement following the arrest of an active member of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) trooper who was in a “shabu” session in Taguig City over the weekend.
Duterte, in his pre-departure speech before his three-day official visit to South Korea, said that police involved in illegal drugs should be the first to go as they are considered dangerous.
“You have the guns and you can fight, and we will give you what is due you,” he said, but clarified that they will be answerable for any involvement in illegal drugs.
“I’m warning again the police and the military na kayo talaga ang mauna. Kayo ang mauna bago ang lahat kasi kayo ‘yung (that you will be the first to go because) – well, the most dangerous actually,” he said before dawn yesterday.
SAF faces dismissal The female Special Action Force (SAF) commando who was caught for allegedly participating in a shabusniffing session in Taguig City was set to face dismissal charges.
Newly installed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar said a probe has already been launched to investigate Police Officer 3 Lynn Tubig, 38, a SAF commando.
Other policemen commented that she had wasted her years-long experience in the police force over that incident.
If proven that Tubig had a direct participation in the supposed shabu session where she was caught, Eleazar said he will recommend to the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s SAF the dismissal from service of the police officer, who has been in the
industry for 11 years.
Eleazar said he already coordinated with SAF Director Noli Taliño, who told him that Tubig has been AWOL (absent without official leave) for several months already.
PNP reshuffle Duterte, meanwhile welcomed the reshuffling that took place in the PNP last week, adding that he is leaving it to PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde to take care of the affairs in the organization.
“Well, I leave it to the PNP command. At your back is the guy who will do it,” he said, referring to Albayalde.
The President said that he has no new orders to the PNP following the reshuffling of high-ranking police officials, but reminded them to do what is right and legal.
“Earlier when I talked to him (Albayalde); and to the others, just do what is right and legal, period. If we can clean the place legally and in a right mode, it will be good,” Duterte said.