Only Espenido probed for gag order breach

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Last month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that 357 active policemen are included in the new narco list of President Rodrigo Duterte.

PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa subsequently ordered all police officers included in the list to undergo adjudication process.

They were also barred from commenting on the issue until the adjudication process is over.

Apparently, all other 356 officers followed except for controversial Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido, the government’s poster boy for its illegal drugs campaign.

PNP spokesperson Brig. General Bernard Banac on Wednesday said only Espenido is under investigation for speaking to the press about his inclusion in the list.

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) initiated the investigation after Espenido spoke at a press conference in Bacolod City on Feb. 19, days after it was reported that he was on the narco list.

He was subsequently made to explain for violating a PNP internal regulation.

On Monday, Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, said the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) found probable cause to administratively charge Espenido.

Banac said that Espenido has to face the administrative proceedings in PRO-6 for apparent violation of the protocol.

“As we know na nagkaroon siya ng statement without permission from the authority of the PRO-6. So, it will be dealt with locally here in PRO-6,” he added.

Banac said it will be a separate investigation from the adjudication process that is being conducted by the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame.

“The adjudication process is on its final stage. In fact, it is almost complete,” he said.

Banac said Gamboa intends to submit the result to President Rodrigo Duterte by March 7 but it will be coursed through Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año.

“Right now, we cannot give any details and we will wait for the presentation of the report. In so far as Col. Espenido is concerned, he will still undergo the process doon sa national adjudication board because hindi lamang siya dito sa PRO-6 na-assign,” Banac said.

Banac was in Iloilo City Wednesday for a meeting with the life coach coordinators and the Regional Police Community Relations Division regarding the intensified “squadding system.”

Banac said Espenido had been assigned to Region 8 and in Northern Mindanao.

“So, kailangan ang result din ng adjudication process doon for us to have a complete background of Col. Espenido,” he said.

So far, all regions have submitted their reports which the national adjudication board is now considering.