PNP chief Dela Rosa turns over 3 ‘narco cops’ to Napolcom

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday said the three police generals linked to illegal drugs have reported to him and have already been turned over to the National Police Commission for formal investigation.

In a televised press briefing, Dela Rosa refused to divulge details of his meeting with Director Joel Pagdilao and Chief Superintendents Bernardo Diaz and Edgardo Tinio but described the meeting as “purely intimate and personal.” He said he just listened to the accused give their sides before turning them over to the Napolcom.

“All other details sa aming usapan, sa’min na lang 'yun. Basta malungkot sila,” Dela Rosa said, adding that he was also saddened and “want to cry with them.”

“Since we've referred them already to Napolcom, then they will be reporting to Napolcom for the investigation,” he added.

Asked if he also turned evidence over to the Napolcom, Dela Rosa again refused to answer.

“Kung meron man (evidence), they’re all classified [documents]. We cannot discuss that in public…hindi ko puwedeng i-divulge,” the PNP chief said.

Dela Rosa said the three generals, who also happen to be his upperclassmen at the Philippine Military Academy, said they will give their 100-percent cooperation to the investigation.

“Hindi ko ho mga mistah (PMA classmate) iyan, lahat mga upperclass ko ho.. We have to be one pati sila (PNP members) damay lahat," he said. 

“I gave them assurance that I am your father now. I have to look for their welfare, kung mayroon man silang kasalanang nagawa, they have to face the music (consequences).”

The Philippines News Agency, meanwhile, reported that Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno has promised that the police generals will be afforded due process.

"They are entitled to due process, we have to give it to them," Sueno told Cotabato City station DXMS-Radyo Bida on Wednesday morning. The PNP is a bureau of the Department of the Interior and Local Government while the Napolcom has administrative powers over the police.

On Tuesday, Duterte named Diaz, Tinio, Pagdilao and two other retired officials Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. and former Chief Superintendent now Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor  Vicente “Vic” Loot. Napolcom Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao said the commission took the initiative to probe the five generals but only has a jurisdiction over the active police officers.

RELATED: Duterte names 5 PNP generals allegedly involved in illegal drugs | Napolcom: Probe, decision on 'narco generals' done within a month