MORE policemen in Central Visayas were in the drugs watch list of the Philippine National Police, the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) said yesterday.
“Our own validation process continues and I’m sure there are more policemen who will be named by President Rodrigo Duterte soon,” Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, PRO-7 chief, said.
Once the report is “validated and revalidated,” Taliño said a list will be sent to PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
He didn’t mention the number of policemen in Cebu and other parts of Central Visayas who are being investigated for their alleged participation in illegal drug activities.
Duterte identified seven policemen in Central Visayas who allegedly coddle drug lords last Sunday dawn.
They are 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 (see Page 1 story).
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 regional director of PRO-7 last July 4.
Asked about the reliability of the information that the president received, the PRO-7 director said, “It must be very reliable. You know that he can tap all intelligence units in the country to validate reports.”
All seven police officers from Central Visayas who were named by Duterte last Sunday were relieved from their respective posts and were instructed to appear before PNP Director General Dela Rosa at 8 a.m. yesterday.
They will 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 the accusations against them are true or not),” Taliño said.
He advised other policemen, politicians, and other persons who are into illegal drugs to surrender to authorities and not wait for the president to identify them publicly.
“Don’t wait for your names to be announced by the president. Surrender now,” he said.
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. Meanwhile, Taliño reported that the price of shabu in Central Visayas rose since the police stepped up its campaign against illegal drugs.
Based on intelligence reports received by PRO-7, a small pack which used to cost P200 to P300 is now four to five times more expensive.
“When the price of shabu increases, that means the supply has reduced,” he said.