Albayalde seeks Estelito Mendoza help in filing charges ex-generals

October 11, 2019

Police General Oscar Albayalde on Friday sought legal assistance from his renowned townmate Estelito Mendoza  as he eyes filing charges against former generals who accused him of being involved in an illegal drugs raid six years ago in Pampanga during the recent Senate hearings.

Albayalde said the former justice secretary offered his services for free.

"He volunteered. My friend told me he (Mendoza) is asking me how I am so we paid him a visit. Then he is so much willing to give legal advice," he said.

The PNP chief added he knew Mendoza since he was a child.

"I gave him the case folder... we've talked and he gave me instructions..the (PNP's) legal ( department) is also there," he said.

Albayalde said those who falsely accused him should be held responsible. 

He said Mendoza will study what possible cases they will file against the former generals.

"They keep on accusing me during the Senate hearing... this people have to be made responsible for their actions. They should know better instead of creating false accusations," said Albayalde.

Asked who are the generals he is referring to, Albayalde told reporters to "just wait".

"We know who is accusing here without any proof," he said.

During the Senate hearing, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, former PNP general Rudy Lacadin and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Aaron Aquino accused Albayalde being involved with "ninja cops".

Magalong claimed the PNP chief is a "protector" of cops involved in illegal drugs due to the 2013 Pampanga drug raid when he was acting provincial director.

Aquino then disclosed Albayalde called him requesting to hold the implementation of the dismissal order against the 13 cops.

The PNP chief defended himself saying he only called to ask for the status of the case and not to intervene.

During the next Senate hearing, Aquino said Albayalde did not influence him.

Lacadin then said he received a call from Albayalde asking about the investigation and informing him that he only benefitted "a little" from the said drug raid.

Albayalde said he cannot remember if he has the number of the retired general.

"Record will show (in) 2011 he franchised (water business) and then on 2015 he stopped. Never a business partner and never a friend," he said.

"They know who is lying and it's definitely not me," he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS