Exasperating

It seems two PMA graduates may no longer be friends after statements from then CIDG chief and now Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong regarding a supposed buy-bust operation in Pampanga where PNP director Gen. Oscar Albayalde was chief in November 2013. Magalong practically opened a Pandora's Box when he supported PDEA director General Aquino's revelation about "ninja cops" or policemen who resell confiscated illegal drugs back to drug lords. At first Magalong spoke in an executive session but later gave his statements at a Senate hearing. Albayalde's name kept coming up as he was the PNP chief of Pampanga at the time.

The investigation headed by the CIDG happened after then PNP chief Purisima asked Magalong to look into an operation in Pampanga where several policemen started owning pricey SUVs at practically the same time. Some people just have to flaunt it. Magalong would add that Albayalde also had an expensive SUV with the latter denying it saying he only owned a pick-up. The CIDG would reveal that the 38 kilos of shabu declared by the raiding team was actually around 200, and that the real Chinese national behind the drug operation was allowed to escape to the tune of P50 million, replaced by a patsy. Boxes of cash were also taken by the raiding team but it was unclear if they were declared them or not. Albayalde is questioning the timing of the "envious" Magalong's statements since this all happened in 2013 and he is also set to retire this November. Good point. Magalong also denies asking Albayalde for a favor.

Personally, I think they are all accountable. If the operation was questionable from the get-go why are all these details only coming out now? It has been six years. A dismissal order for the raiding team was not served for two years. In other words they practically were given enough time to look for ways around the law and remain in service. And that's what happened since they were merely demoted. The obvious obesity of the team leader was not lost on Sen. Gordon. It was extremely exasperating to watch the team leader unable to answer questions right away. He obviously had a difficult time trying to remember things the way he planned. PNP operations were thrown out the window. Witness upon witness refuted his details regarding the raid. This sorry excuse for a PNP officer and his men should be dismissed and charged criminally.

The ongoing drama between Albayalde and Magalong is an example of everything wrong with the PNP. Covering up for fellow cops despite wrongdoing. Seeking favors even when inappropriate. Speaking only when they need to speak. Yes, the PNP is a fraternity where one is currently the highest PNP official and the other is an elected mayor. What can now be said of the anti-illegal drug campaign if such is the way the PNP conduct themselves? If Aquino didn’t speak out --even if he already had all the information for quite some time-- this would not have been tackled by the Senate. Is the campaign against illegal drugs only successful against the poor? Is Magalong correct in saying the PNP is only into selective cleansing of its ranks? As the Senate hearings go on regarding the GCTA, the BuCor corruption, and now ninja cops, it seems more and more dirt and filth are being unearthed.

Absolutely exasperating.