Some high-ranking officers still back rogue cops: PNP

September 4, 2019

The head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said there are still some high-ranking police officers who back rogue and scalawag cops that’s why they can still return to service even after facing charges.

But Police General Oscar Albayalde stressed to reporters Tuesday these cases are ''very minimal unlike before.'' 

Albayalde made the statement after an AWOL (absent without leave) cop was arrested in a buy bust operation in Muntinlupa City last Tuesday.

Patrolman Leo Valdez was arrested after police poseur buyer was able to buy an illegal drugs or shabu from him. He was also caught using the substance in a video presented to media.

It was found out that Valdez went AWOL in 2014, after entering PNP service on 2007 due to his involvement in illegal drugs. He was restored in service in 2017.

"Maybe he (Valdez) has a ‘godfather’ during the time when he made an appeal. That’s why he was able to come back,” he said.

Albayalde made it clear there are less police officers who back scalawag cops because of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“We would like to thank the President, not even once we were dictated on positions and promotions of our people. I would like to make that clear unlike before there is really a political patronage in PNP,” he said.

The PNP chief reminded his police officers they can be administratively charged if they resort to political patronage. Ella Dionisio/DMS