70 Metro Manila cops on drug, crime watchlist

MANILA, Philippines — At least 70 police officers in Metro Maila are being closely monitored for their alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs and other crimes, National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

During a press briefing at Camp Crame, he said these police officers are the subjects of counter-intelligence operations following reports they are involved in extortion, kidnapping for ransom and  protecting drug dealers, among others.

Many of the police officers are from the Manila Police District, Northern Police District and the Quezon City Police District, Albayalde said, but clarified that these districts also have the most number of police officers.

He also said an investigation is being conducted on reports that a policeman was hired despite having a pending criminal case.

Earlier, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said a  total of 398 police personnel were dismissed from the service over the past 26 months as the PNP continues to wage a top-to-bottom program of internal reform in the 180,000-strong organization. 

Of the 398 sacked policemen, Dela Rosa said 167 of them committed drug-related offenses.

Meanwhile, Albayalde said he ordered the relief of Police Officer 1 Mark Gil Justo, who was seen on a closed-circuit television video beating up a civilian in Manila.

Justo claimed he saw three men in front of his house and he focused his motorcycle’s lights on them, triggering an argument that led to a fistfight.

One of the victims, an 18-year-old male, said he was seated in front of a store when Justo punched him, Albayalde said.

He said charges of physical injuries and grave threat have been filed against Justo.