Western Visayas regional police director says Espenido not linked to illegal drugs

February 24, 2020

The regional director of the Western Visayas police on Monday cleared relieved Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido of any involvement in illegal drugs.

In a phone interview with reporters, Police Brigadier General Rene Pablico Pamuspusan said there is no information or report that would confirm Espenido is involved in illegal drugs in the region.

“Well what I said is as far as (Police) Regional Office 6 is concerned, there is no reliable information or confirmatory report that would say that Espenido is involved in illegal drugs,” Pamuspusan said.

However, Pamuspusan said he cannot comment on Espenido’s other assignment outside the region.

Pamuspusan said Espenido will continue to undergo the PNP adjudication process.

Espenido, who headed two controversial anti-drug operations, was confirmed to be one of the 357 cops allegedly in President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug list.

In defense, Espenido told reporters that he was removed from the list on 2017 and questioned the PNP’s intelligence gathering.  

As the Deputy City Director for Operation of Bacolod City Police, Espenido handles the anti- illegal drug campaign and also overseeing different police programs and events.

“He’s also the who one evaluates anti- illegal drugs operation in the Bacolod City Police Office,” the regional director said.

Pamuspusan said he also received Espenido’s explanation following his media appearances and interviews despite the order of  Philippine National Police chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa.

“I made him explain his actuations regarding his media appearances and talked to him that Chief ( PNP Gamboa) has already given his instruction that those who are included in the list should not give statements and we cannot ignore it,” Pamuspusan said.

He said Espenido will not be subject to insubordination but they can conduct further investigation based on recommendation of their staff.

“As soon as possible we want to resolve this,” Pamuspusan said. Ella Dionisio/DMS