(ICOT SA LEYTE FACEBOOK)
Not true at all
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has expressed surprise at the claim made by controversial police officer Col. Jovie Espenido, who alleged that the police organization is the country’s “biggest crime syndicate.”
The PNP-8 has dismissed Espenido’s allegations as baseless and untrue.
Espenido, known for his high-profile anti-drug operations during his assignment in Albuera, Leyte—where former Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. was killed—made these accusations during a hearing of the quad committee at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, August 28.
Police Col. Peter Limbauan, head of the regional community affairs and development division of PNP-8, stated that their anti-drug operations have always been legitimate.
“Of course, we were surprised by his statement. We all know that it is not true. But we leave it up to Congress to conclude their investigation,” Limbauan said during a media interview at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Thursday, August 29.
Limbauan mentioned that he had no direct interactions with Espenido, who served as the chief of police in Albuera from July to December 2016.
Albuera, a small town in Leyte with a population of over 47,000, has been identified as a center for illegal drug activities in Eastern Visayas, allegedly led by Mayor Espinosa and his son, Kerwin.
In his testimony, Espenido accused the PNP of being the country’s largest crime syndicate and claimed that then PNP Director-General, now Senator, Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, provided protection to the Espinosas.
Mayor Espinosa died in a shootout at the sub-provincial jail in Baybay City, Leyte, on November 5, 2016, when Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives were serving a warrant against the mayor for possession of illegal drugs and weapons.
Kerwin Espinosa, meanwhile, has returned to Albuera and is rumored to be planning a run for mayor in the upcoming elections.
Espenido also claimed that the PNP operated under a “quota” and reward system in their anti-drug efforts.
However, Limbauan declined to comment on these specific allegations, emphasizing that the PNP’s operations are legitimate and that the safety of their personnel is of utmost importance.
“We must also protect the lives of our policemen. They should be safe. Together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, we are doing our best to address the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region,” he added.
JOEY A. GABIETA
