Duterte vows to release info on alleged 'narco cops'

MANILA, Philippines — Weeks after the release of a list of politicians tagged for involvement in the narcotics trade, President Duterte vowed to make public a document detailing the involvement of some police officials in the drug menace.

Duterte said the drug problem has worsened because of the involvement of government officials, including police officers who he said are making a mockery of the people.

“I will release the document tomorrow – how the policemen and officials play with drugs, why the problem has not been stopped and why the policemen assigned to anti-drugs (units) remain with the anti-drugs (units). Kaya pinaglalaruan ang Pilipino (They are making a fool of Filipinos),” Duterte said during a campaign rally of PDP-Laban last Tuesday in Malabon.

“I will grant interviews. I will reveal the true story,” he added.

Duterte did not release the document and did not grant media interviews yesterday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the decision of Duterte to release documents purportedly showing police involvement in the illegal drug trade.

“We support the statement of the President and we ready to investigate the PNP personnel who have possible involvement in illegal drugs,” said PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac.

Since July 2016, a total of 441 police officers have been dismissed from the service for being involved in illegal drugs.

Duterte on Tuesday said he will show evidence some members of the PNP are involved in the drug trade, the reason why his campaign has so far been unsuccessful.

Last month, the President revealed the names of 46 local executives, lawmakers and a former mayor believed to be involved in illegal drugs despite concerns that the disclosure of the list would violate their right to be presumed innocent. The interior and local government department has filed administrative cases against those in the narco list.

Duterte admitted that his war on illegal drugs has not yet succeeded, noting that the problem is also hounding other countries.

“It’s swallowing the country. You can read every day the crawler of all TV networks. They are sold by the billions. Before, they were just sold by thousands,” the President said.

Duterte said illegal drugs would proliferate in an area if mayors and police officials allow it to happen. – With Emmanuel Tupas