DOJ findings do not ”contradict” probe vs Albayalde

January 17, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano on Thursday said the findings of the Department of Justice ( DOJ) against former Philippine National Police chief, Police General Oscar Albayalde do not ''contradict the probe'' they are doing against the former police official.

In a message to reporters, Ano said they welcomed DOJ’s finding of probable cause against the former PNP chief particularly on violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices by persuading, inducing or influencing a public official to perform an act constituting to violation of rules and regulation.

“It is an opportunity for Albayalde to defend himself in a forum or atmosphere where his constitutional rights will be observed and duly guaranteed,” he said.

“At the same time the DOJ finding does not contradict the DILG as probable cause merely engenders a well-founded belief that Albayalde is only probably guilty on the criminal side. Let justice take its course,” Ano added.

In a resolution, the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors found probable cause to charge Albayalde with graft after finding out that he did not implement an order "which sought to penalize the police officers involved in the questioned drug operation."

Not only Albayalde but several police officers were found violating the law in connection with the alleged irregular anti-drug operation in Pampanga in 2013 when he was still the provincial director.

The panel of prosecutors' findings against Albayalde will be endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The PNP on Friday said they also respect the findings of DOJ even after hearing the side of Albayalde.

“Former PNP chief PGen Oscar Albayalde was given a fair chance to explain his side. Still, the DOJ panel found probable cause to indict him for graft,” Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in a statement.

Banac said the former PNP chief remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Because of this controversy, Albayalde stepped down from his post weeks before his retirement.

The National Police Commission earlier said they might complete their probe on the alleged “ninja cops” by the end of January. Ella Dionisio/DMS