We need dedicated cops like Espenido

Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido has recently been named in the Duterte narco list as one of the 357 policemen allegedly accused of involvement in illegal drugs. The disclosure of the narco list elicited opposing opinions and views from his supporters and sympathizers who could hardly believe of his involvement in the illegal narcotics trade.

Many quarters were of the opinion that Lt. Col. Espenido could have been a victim of envy within the hierarchical structure of the PNP so as to preempt the possibility of him to be promoted to a higher rank. How could it happen that a policeman of his caliber would do such a thing? To get himself involved in illegal activities! An implementer of the law and at the same time a law breaker! What an irony!

I have no doubt on PNP chief Archie Francisco Gamboa's credibility and sincerity in conducting an honest-to-goodness investigation over the inclusion of Lt. Col. Espenido in the newly-released Duterte narco list. On the part of the good policeman, he deserves to have a fair investigation in order to ascertain as to whether or not he is really involved in illegal drugs activities.

Lt. Col. Espenido's unsurpassed track record of carrying out successful police operations that led to the arrest and death of known narco politicians in the country had earned for him the trust and confidence from no less than President Duterte himself.

To include the name of Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido in the narco list is tantamount of not recognizing his unparalleled accomplishment as a policeman, specifically his relentless campaign in stamping out the drug menace.

Remember the Espinosas of Albuera, Leyte and the Parojinogs of Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental in Mindanao. Prior to then Police Major Espenido's assignment to the aforementioned places, these narco politicians were so highly respected by everyone. Under their leadership, many people were in great fear of them and their holding on to power with the drug money seemed to be endless, nobody had the guts to stop them. But thanks to policeman Jovie Espenido as he fearlessly carried out the punishment they deserved.

He Espenido is really a model for all men and women in uniform, a dedicated police official who is ready and willing to risk his life to carry out an assigned task for the common good.

Let the pros and cons be presented in the forthcoming investigation in regard to his involvement in the illegal drugs trade. I know Lt. Col. Espenido has the courage and determination to withstand the present predicament he is in.

We, therefore, need a dedicated cop in the person of Lt. Col. Espenido.  He is one of a kind police official our country has ever had.

Joselito S.  Berdin

Lapu-Lapu City