DILG: No more ‘ninja’ cops

MANILA, Philippines — There are no more “ninja” cops or police officers involved in drug recycling in the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said yesterday.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año attributed this to the dismissal of police personnel whose involvement in the illegal drug trade had been proven.

Año said there would be no letup in the government’s campaign against rogue police personnel.

The DILG, which oversees the PNP, said it has yet to validate at least 800 old files on supposed activities of ninja cops.

“These reports still need clarification and validation. But as of now, we are not seeing any police officers who are active and still involved (in the drug trade),” Año said.

He said another move that prevents breeding of ninja policemen was the government’s effort to destroy drugs seized in anti-narcotics operations.

Last February, the PNP announced a background check on 300 police officers for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

Motorcycle cops

Meanwhile, Año has ordered the PNP to form special units to curb street crimes in compliance with Presdient Duterte’s directive.

Año said he asked PNP chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan to craft a strategy for the formation of special police units against motorcycle-riding criminals.

“Ito ‘yung mga special units na gagawin namin para maghabol lang ng mga kriminal na gumagamit ng motorsiklo,” Año said.

He said the Highway Patrol Group has been conducting training courses for motorcyle-riding policemen.

Earlier, Duterte said he would launch an all-out war against criminals in the last two years of his term.