‘Ninja cops’ probe conclusion seen this month

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) may complete its probe of “ninja cops” or police officers involved in the recycling of seized prohibited drugs by month’s end, an official announced yesterday.

Napolcom vice chairman Rogelio Casurao said they are just waiting for the affidavits of the policemen implicated in the controversy.

“By the end of January, we will have a decision,” Casurao said in a phone interview.

The controversy forced former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde to go on non-duty status ahead of his retirement after he was accused of coddling the ninja cops when he was police director of Pampanga.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said they expect the investigation to be finished by December.

However, Casurao said the timetable was moved to January so that due process could be given the respondents.

Casurao said they granted the respondents’ request for an extension to submit their affidavits and other pieces of evidence to refute the allegations against them.

“It’s in the interest of justice and fair play,” he said.

Thirteen police officers were tagged in the recycling of shabu.

Casurao said the number went down to 12 after the PNP dismissed Lt. Joven de Guzman for a separate case in Antipolo City where he and other lawmen allegedly stole money from a man whom they tried to pin down on drug charges.

Casurao explained that they no longer have jurisdiction over De Guzman after the PNP kicked him out of the service.