Duterte: Captive cop chief’s fate up to NPA

DAVAO CITY – Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte is leaving the fate of the police chief of Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental, who is allegedly involved in illegal drugs, to his New People’s Army (NPA) captors.

“They could try him in a kangaroo court and sentence him to 20 years imprisonment for all I care,” Duterte told a press conference on Thursday night.

“I said I’d be harsh in dealing with drugs. I’m sorry for that guy,” he added.

In a statement issued yesterday, the NPA confirmed that Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen is in its custody. The rebels said they are keeping the police official captive because they found him in possession of illegal drugs and his involvement in the illegal drug trade in the town.

NPA guerrillas seized Ongachen on Sunday night. They also carted away seven shot- guns, 12 rifles, two 9mm pistols and three undetermined types of firearms.

Before he was told that Ongachen was involved in illegal drugs, Duterte had pleaded to the NPA for his release, adding that he would be willing to pick up the police official at a place that would be agreed upon by both parties.

Duterte had facilitated the release of soldiers and policemen taken captive by NPA rebels in the past and picked them up before turning them over to their families.

We’ll rescue him

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said they respect Duterte’s position, but noted that they have to rescue Ongachen.

“It is our responsibility to rescue our people if they are kidnapped,” Marquez told reporters in Zamboanga City.

He said efforts are underway to rescue Ongachen.

However, he also said any member of the police force found to be involved in illegal drugs would be investigated and dismissed from the service if found guilty.

“They don’t deserve to stay any minute in our organization,” Marquez said.