Albayalde will not challenge foes publicly on drugs issue, leaves it up to DOJ

October 7, 2019

Police General Oscar Albayalde, head of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Monday said he will not challenge those who accused him of being involved in illegal drugs.

“No. I will leave that up to the review of the Department of Justice. Let us respect that. I think – the right body to probe this is the Department of Justice,” Albayalde told reporters.

The PNP chief said during the Senate hearing on the ''ninja cops'' last week, there has been no single proof hat will prove he is involved in illegal drugs.

“I’ll repeat, since the start of Senate hearing, not a single proof except accusations (were shown),” he said.

“I have even the (tran)script of the Senate proceedings. There is no evidence presented or whoever said that would corroborate a single person’s allegation…  That’s why the president (Rodrigo Duterte) is very clear on this. Give me clear proof- this is what he said,” Albayalde added.

He said even the sports utility vehicle (SUV) mentioned by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is an allegation.

“Not even a single picture was shown. These are all allegations until this time that we hope our countrymen will understand,” he said.

After the president’s order to conduct probe first on Albayalde before he decide on his fate, the PNP chief reiterated the Duterte is a lawyer.

“You know the president is very intelligent and he is a lawyer. He decides based on evidence not on accusation. It’s very easy to accuse a person and to say anything without any proof, this is so very easy to do.  I hope the Filipino sees this,” he said.

Meanwhile, Albayalde said senators who are calling for his resignation and early retirement should respect what the president said last Sunday.

“You cannot change the mind of people who already believed on something. I’m not here to change the mind of the people… We are entitled of our own opinion, we cannot change that. They have their own opinion and each and every person has his/her own opinion,” he said.

“I think let us respect again that there will be a review on this. We have a proper forum and no less than the president has already spoken and has already said that. Let us respect that,” he added.

Duterte has yet to decide on who will be the successor of Albyalde, who retires on November 8.

Asked if he met Duterte, the PNP chief said he will let him rest first. Ella Dionisio/DMS