Show us the proof

Jeffrey Celiz, a former New People’s Army (NPA) cadre and now a self-proclaimed advocate of anti-insurgency efforts, has once again grabbed attention with accusations targeting law enforcement, but his credibility is now under scrutiny.

He claimed that regional police officials and members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are involved in drug syndicates, receiving substantial sums of money from illegal sources.

While such accusations demand serious attention, Celiz’s credibility on drug-related issues is highly questionable, particularly given his history of controversial and damaging statements.

Celiz has made sweeping allegations, yet notably failed to provide concrete evidence, leaving his claims to hover as mere rhetoric. Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the Western Visayas police chief, has rightfully called out Celiz, urging him to present proof rather than stoke unfounded public suspicion. Without tangible evidence, such assertions only serve to muddy the waters and further inflame public distrust in law enforcement, harming the very institutions meant to safeguard society.

It’s worth noting that Celiz has been known to circulate in questionable circles, including his alleged association with fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy, whose credibility has similarly been called into question. He also claimed to be a student-activist at UP Visayas when in fact he was a graduate of West Visayas State University.

His shifting alliances and public persona cast further doubt on his objectivity. While his prior contributions to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) may have garnered some respect, his credibility on issues outside insurgency work remains weak.

The PNP, on the other hand, is far from free of controversy. It has been no stranger to allegations of corruption, particularly during President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. However, it’s imperative for the PNP to ensure that it does not dismiss accusations lightly, regardless of the source. Transparency and accountability should be at the forefront of the PNP’s response to these claims. Moreover, their internal systems must continue to root out corruption and weed out bad actors in their ranks to uphold public trust.

That being said, Wanky’s challenge to Celiz to substantiate his claims with proof is not just a defense mechanism; it is a necessary step to ensure that public discourse remains grounded in truth.

Celiz, if he wishes to be taken seriously, must present proof. Until then, his words deserve not just a grain of salt but an entire sack. This is not just about defending the honor of the PNP—it’s about ensuring that justice is based on facts, not rumors.

If Celiz is indeed in possession of information that could expose corruption within law enforcement, he owes it to the public to present it. Otherwise, his statements risk causing unnecessary harm, discrediting those who are working towards eradicating illegal drugs, and disrupting the fight against organized crime. As it stands, Celiz’s claims only serve to complicate an already fraught situation, leaving more questions than answers in their wake.

This should serve as both a challenge and a reminder: Celiz must present evidence if he intends to be taken seriously on drug-related matters, and the PNP must continue to scrutinize its ranks while taking such allegations seriously.

Public confidence in the justice system depends on it.