‘Ninja cops’ probed
Expedite probe on drug suspects’ slays – Bato
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa directed all police units to expedite the investigation of unresolved killings of drug suspects perpetrated by motorcycle-riding assailants.
Dela Rosa, in a press conference Thursday, said following the removal of their role in drug war, they realigned their focus on cracking down the riding-in-tandem gunmen and fast track the investigation to identify the suspects’ identities and put them behind the bars.
He added that they are now validating the veracity of information on “ninja cops” or policemen involved in illegal drug trade who are allegedly behind the killings.
Dela Rosa said they have received information, especially in Luzon, that the killings there were initiated by erring cops who wanted to take revenge on the PNP forces as well as to take advantage on the ongoing campaign to discredit the government and make it appear that it is part of their operations.
“Meron tayo [identified groups] like for example sa Eastern Police District area, particularly sa may Pasig City. Meron tayong information diyan na iyung tumitira na riding in tandem ay mga bata noong mga ninja cops. Yong mga police na minalas sa atin dahil sila ay involve sa droga,” Dela Rosa said.
Because of the serious drive against illegal drugs, the drug businesses of these erring cops were affected.
“[Those are] police na galit sa atin at nawala yong negosyo nila sa droga pero sa mga bata inutusan tumira to make us look bad before the public,” he said.
Once the information is verified, he said they will undertake appropriate actions to stop their illegal activities that have put the name of the whole PNP organization in a bad light since drug war started.
“Sumakay, sumabay [sila] sa war on drugs. Sumabay din namamaril ng tao at akala ng mga tao kasama yon sa mga targets sa drugs, yon pala mga gun for hire operations na yon kaya sumabay sila,” he said.
He said some of these identified cops are facing charges before the court.
“Yong iba nandito sa Mindanao, yong iba nasa Crame, sa RPAO [Regional Public Affairs Office] at nandiyan lang sila,” he said.
After they were prohibited from engaging in anti-drug operations, he has instructed his personnel to shift their focus on preventing the occurrence of motorcycle criminals and find solutions to the killings.
“My instruction is very clear, hands off tayo sa drugs and concentrate on other crimes. Tutukan natin ang other crimes,” he said. JCR barangays,” Duquiatan said.
She also lauded that community rehabilitation effort of the city government through the Davao City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac) with their program Tabangan Atong Reformists Aron Naay Asenso (Tara Na), which caters to drug reformists from all barangays.
“We are very thankful for the good mayor since the community rehabilitation and aftercare program of Davao City is very active. Doon pumapasok ang mga drug surrenderers, kini-cater halos lahat ng barangay sa Davao City to reform,” Duquiatan said.
Out of the 182 barangays in the city, there are about 122 affected by illegal drugs and 60 barangays are unaffected. Davao City barangays Langub in Maa and Lamanan in Calinan were recommended by Pdea 11 to be certified as cleared of drugs. All their reformists are enrolled in community rehabilitation.
Duquiatan said they have received recommendations from barangays in Davao City that will be declared drug-free but only the two barangays have been processed by Pdea 11 from pre-operational to post-operational phase.