PDEA chief hits back at Acierto

The chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) lashed out at former police officer Eduardo Acierto for accusing him of protecting presidential ally and suspected illegal drug personality Michael Yang.

Director General Aaron Aquino said Acierto’s claim “is a blatant lie. His accusation is completely baseless. I may say that this is the work of a desperate man.”

Aside from Aquino, Acierto has linked to the illegal drug trade personalities close to the President like senatorial candidates Bong Go and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

Acierto said Duterte, together with Go, Dela Rosa, and Aquino were coddling a group led by Yang, who is a former presidential economic adviser.

Aquino said he even initiated the investigation of Yang when he was told about Yang’s involvement in trafficking drug.

“In fact, until now my Regional Directors are still gathering data about Michael Yang,” he said.

“I am clean. My conscience is clean. And I can appear in any avenues to clear my name on this matter,” Aquino said.

The PDEA chief welcomed any inquiry that will be conducted by other law enforcement agencies and investigating bodies.

Acierto complained that instead of launching an investigation on Yang, Aquino chose to go after him instead.

Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, had denied Acierto's accusation, insisting he has always supported the President’s war on illegal drugs.