DOJ endorses to Ombudsman graft raps vs Albayalde

February 7, 2020

The Department of Justice ( DOJ) has filed before the Office of the Ombudsman its indorsement seeking the indictment of retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde over alleged involvement with the so-called “ninja cops” in the anti-illegal drugs operations in Pampanga in 2013.

The Office of the Prosecutor General said the indorsement was filed last January 29, 2020 after the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors issued a resolution which found probable cause to indict Albayalde before the Sandiganbayan for violating Section 3(a) and Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Government prosecutors also recommended to the Ombudsman that 12 so-called “ninja cops” be charged with Albayalde for violating Section 39(e) of RA 3019.

“It’s up to the Ombudsman, upon reading the resolution, to adopt the DOJ findings or conduct another preliminary investigation if it is not satisfied,” said Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez, who chaired the panel which conducted the preliminary investigation.

The case stemmed from the 2013 illegal drugs operation in Mexico, Pampanga where a team led then by Police Major Rodney Baloyo IV were supposed to have arrested suspected foreign drug trader Johnson Lee.

The DOJ panel said there is sufficient evidence to hold Albayalde liable for his “non-implementation of an order which sought to penalize the police officers involved in the questioned drug operations.”

Criminal charges have been filed against the 12 “ninja cops” before the court of San Fernando, Pampanga also concerning the anomalous 2013 drug operation. DMS