CEBU CITY–More policemen from Central Visayas are on the drugs watch list of the Philippine National Police.
Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), on Monday said they were currently validating reports on the alleged involvement of some police officers in the illegal drugs trade.
Once the report was “validated and revalidated,” a list would be sent to PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
“Our own validation process continues and I’m sure there are more policemen who will be named by President Rodrigo Duterte soon,” said Taliño in an interview.
He didn’t say how many policemen were in their list.
Duterte on Sunday identified seven policemen in Central Visayas, composed of Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor, who were allegedly coddle drug lords.
They were Supt. Romeo Santander, PO2 Michael Cortez, SPO1 Onel Nabua , SPO1 Jen dela Victoria, PO2 Jomar Ybañez, PO3 Ryan Martus Kiamco, and SPO3 Christie Cielo Tingad.
Also named by the President were former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and San Fernando Vice Mayor Fralz Sabalones.
Taliño clarified that he didn’t provide the names of those mentioned by Duterte, saying the list was with Camp Crame even before he assumed as PRO7 chief last July 4.
But he assured that the information was “very reliable.”
The seven policemen were relieved from their posts and were expected to have appeared before Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa at 8 a.m. Monday.
They would be investigated by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
“We can’t say that they are already guilty. They need to undergo an investigation (to find out whether or not the accusation against them were true),” Taliño said.
He advised other policemen, politicians, and other individuals who were into illegal drugs to surrender to authorities and not wait for the President to identify them publicly.
Taliño said he’s not surprised with some of the names mentioned by the President last Sunday.
“I saw some of those names on the list even before the President made the announcement,” he said.
Taliño didn’t name names.