Three Metro Manila police directors welcome Robredo entry in war on drugs

November 12, 2019

Three police directors in Metro Manila on Tuesday welcomed the entry of Vice President Leni Robredo into the war on drugs.

But Manila Police District (MPD) director, Police Brigadier General Bernabe Balba, said Robredo’s position the government is not for tactical level.

“Her position is so high, strategical level,” said Balba.

The MPD chief said it is possible for Robredo to inspect large drug laboratory after raids.

“Maybe a large drug laboratory... after we secure (it), that’s the time probably they will come in and look on the magnitude of operations,” he said.

“But on the street level, I could not give comment.  I doubt if her security advisers will allow her… but if she insists (on joining), it’s the duty of her security advisers,” Balba added.

Balba welcomed Robredo's involvement. “We welcome this kind of development,” he said. “We accept challenges like this and we welcome her if ever she will lead (the campaign). We will support her.”

Police Brigadier General Nolasco Bathan, chief of the Southern Police District (SPD), echoed Balba. 

“Our fight for illegal drugs is everybody’s concern. We are very glad now our vice president is with us fighting this illegal menace,” said Bathan.

Police Brigadier General Johnson Almazan, chief of the Eastern Police District said they will give all the support Robredo needs.

“She was trusted to occupy the position of course we will give the support that she needs… we don’t have problem about it,” said Almazan.

Robredo accepted the offer of President Rodrigo Duterte to be the co-chairperson of Interagency Council on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD) last week. Ella Dionisio/DMS