Taliño
CHIEF SUPT. Noli Taliño, director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), maintained that the contents of the drug list given to President Rodrigo Duterte were reliable.
“I’m sure the President’s source is reliable. You know that he can tap all intelligence units in the country to validate reports,” he said.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Tuesday described as ill-advised and half-baked the decision of President Duterte to publicly identify the local officials allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade.
While he supported the President’s campaign to curb illegal drugs, Palma said the fundamental requirements of due process and the rule of law must be observed at all times.
The prelate also expressed doubt on the reliability of the list, as he pointed to the inclusion of a judge from Calbayog City who died eight years ago.
Taliño said those who were mentioned by the President have been given the opportunity to explain their sides and clear their names.
He said PRO-7 is also currently validating reports regarding the alleged involvement of some police officers in the illegal drugs trade.
Once the report is “validated and revalidated,” a list will be sent to PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
He did not 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 on Sunday identified seven policemen in Central Visayas who are allegedly coddling 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. They all denied links to illegal drugs.
Also named by the President were former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama and San Fernando Vice Mayor Fralz Sabalones, both of whom likewise denied the accusation.
Taliño clarified that he did not 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.