NCRPO willing to allow Robredo to join anti-illegal drug operations

November 8, 2019

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday expressed their willingness to allow Vice President Leni Robredo to join anti-illegal drugs operations

In a press briefing, Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas said they are happy to work with Robredo.

"I'm happy to anybody that can contribute to the success of the campaign," he said.

"If she is available, we will (invite her) but she is the vice president, her security is important. Her security detail may not agree... we don't sacrifice our leaders," Sinas added. 

Sinas said by joining operations, Robredo can see police in action.

"We don't have problem with that. Anytime the vice president say she will join then we will make arrangements," he said.

Sinas told Robredo law enforcers don't want killing in operations.

"We also don't want killing but it is also inherent with the police to protect ourselves. If we are pointed (by the suspect), we have to defend ourselves," he said.

"We abide whatever the instruction of the vice president but it doesn't say in our manual that we don't defend ourselves in case of encounter. We follow the procedural," he added.

He said they are willing to provide details Robredo will ask from them.

"Of course, but we have procedures in the national headquarters. All data will be pass through (the NHQ)," Sinas said.

Sinas said it will still be up to the higher authorities if there will be a new approach on the campaign against illegal drugs.

"Whatever the directives ICAD (Interagency Council on Anti-illegal Drugs) will give, we will follow," he said.

"We'll just wait for further instructions but without it, the implementation on war on drugs continues," Sinas added.

Asked if it is possible for the government to declare the country, especially in Metro Manila, "drug-free", Sinas said it will depend on the strategy and the situation.

"The problem of drugs is very complex," he said. 

"But for me, I'll be very happy if we become drug-free," Sinas said. Ella Dionisio/DMS