PNP did not interfere with IAS on case of the Antipolo drug raid leader

October 30, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Wednesday said the meeting of Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa with the Internal Affairs Service chief is not to “interfere” with the watchdog’s decision over the controversial Antipolo drug raid in May.

In a TV interview, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said since the IAS is under their jurisdiction, PNP and IAS are covered by the Republic Act 6975 or the “Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990”.

“The frame wares of the law, Republic Act 6975 view it in a manner that it does not interfere. So there is a relationship established already and the IAS is supposed to recommend and the chief PNP would be the one to decide and make the decision,” Banac said.

“Viewing it that way we don’t see any interference. In fact the relationship is very good,” he said.

The statement came after Banac was asked about the dismissal order for the seven Antipolo cops involved in the drug raid. Four of the Antipolo raiding team were also involved in the  2013 Pampanga drug raid, including its team leader Lieutenant Joven De Guzman, where some seized illegal drugs were resold.

Of the four alleged ninja cops, De Guzman was not recommended for dismissal but to be suspended for 59 days.

Banac said Gamboa viewed the case as a lawyer and found technicalities such as lack of evidence against De Guzman.

But during the meeting with IAS chief, Inspector General Alfagar Triambulo, both parties decided to remand his case to the IAS to come up with graver offense.

“Both agreed in weeks’ time, they would be able to come up with new charges and case against De Guzman and that’s calls for a dismissal already so that there will be no question once General Gamboa makes a decision already,” said Banac.

On the issue of separating the IAS to PNP, Banac said though they respect the position of IAS, there is no need for it now.

“I think IAS need not separate yet from the PNP because we need them as our watchdog, together we can discipline our cops,” he said.

Banac said communication and cooperation is easier if IAS will still be under the PNP.

“If they need our policemen to face an investigation they can immediately report to their office. So for convenience and to facilitate easy communication and coordination then it’s best if they would remain under PNP,” he said.

“But of course we leave it up to the policymakers if they view it differently and if they want IAS to be separated from PNP we suggest they will be under Napolcom (National Police Commission) because we belong in same family,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS