Gov’t ready to provide security to Espenido, says Palace

February 20, 2020

Malacanang said on Thursday that the government is ready to provide security to Police Lt.Colonel Jovie Espenido.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement after Espenido, one of the poster boys of President Rodrigo Duterte in his war on drugs but was allegedly included in the president's latest drug watch list, claimed that if there would be an entity that would kill him, it would be the "government, the police."

"If that is the fear of Col. Espenido, then we cannot stop him from entertaining such apprehension," he said.

"But the President will not allow anyone to be hurt or to be harmed outside of what is allowed by law - outside of legal processes or methods sanction by law. If Col. Espenido would want to ask for any protective measure from the government, then he can so request just like any other citizen," he said.

After reports came out that Espenido was included in the drug watch list, Panelo earlier said Duterte believes that the police officer was "clean." 

Espenido was reportedly one of the 357 cops who were relieved from their posts because of their alleged inclusion in the drug watch list. Celerina Monte/DMS