PNP dismayed over Espenido's 'biggest crime group' claim

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday expressed dismay over the statement of Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido describing the organization as the "largest organized crime group" in the country during the third joint public hearing of the House Quad Committee.

In a press conference at their Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said Espenido's statement was "sweeping" and affects the entire police organization.

She said that while some PNP members may stray from the right path, they do not represent the majority of dedicated and honorable police officers.

"Ang isang organized crime group ay binuo para sa isang purpose lamang, ito ay to commit crimes. Malayong malayo ito sa reyalidad kung bakit itinatag ang PNP so hindi natin alam kung saan nanggagaling 'yung sinasabi nitong police officer na ito (An organized crime group is formed just for the sole purpose of committing crime. This is very far from the reality of why the PNP was established. So, we don't know where the statement of this police officer is coming from)," Fajardo said.

"It casted doubt, shadow doon sa integridad ng buong PNP. Nalulungkot tayo dahil maraming pulis na seryoso at tapat sa kanilang tungkulin, maraming nagbuwis ng buhay at nakakalungkot 'yung buong organization ang binigyan niya ng label (It casted a shadow of doubt on the integrity of the whole PNP. We are saddened because there are many police officers who are serious and dedicated to their duty, many have sacrificed their lives, and it is sad that he gave the whole organization a label)," she added.

Espenido tagged the PNP as the "biggest crime group" in the country after claiming that the killing of drug personalities is part of the order under the drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte during the resumption of the investigation of the Quad Committee on the possible link between the proliferation of illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drug trade, anomalous land acquisitions, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration.

He accused former chief PNP and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa of issuing an order to "neutralize" drug personalities, in which for him and the rest of the police force means "to kill."

Under quota and reward system imposed by the PNP leadership, Espenido said "we had to knock on the doors of 50-100 households suspected of drug use or pushing" with an alleged reward of "P20,000 per kill."

The PNP now wants Espenido to present evidence to prove his allegations that the organization is indeed the biggest crime group in the country.

"These are serious accusations and allegations. The PNP is open to anyone who could present pieces of evidence against anybody and we will not tolerate it," Fajardo said.

Fajardo said the allegation of Espenido against the PNP should serve as a challenge for all PNP personnel to do better in their duties and responsibilities.

However, the PIO chief said the PNP is willing to help Espenido to file charges if he has proof at hand related to the controversial drug war.

"He has to answer for all his claims. We have to ask him for the proof. Accusation is one thing but proof is another thing. On the part of the PNP, the PNP is also curious about his pieces of evidence. If he has pieces of evidence, then we will help him," said Fajardo.

She also reiterated the PNP's commitment to the continuing reforms that strengthen the agency, which include strict adherence to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a holistic approach to combating illegal drugs, with a strong emphasis on the preservation of human life.

"We encourage anyone with credible information regarding misconduct within our ranks to come forward. We are fully committed to investigating all allegations thoroughly and impartially, and should any misconduct be proven, we will ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law," she stressed. (PNA)