Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno yesterday vowed to keep a keen eye on the investigation of five police generals linked by President Duterte to the illegal drugs trade.
Sueno said he has instructed the National Police Commission to look into the purported criminal activities of retired Deputy Director General Marcelino Garbo, retired Chief Supt. Vicente Loot, and three active police generals, Director Joel Pagdilao and Chief Superintendents Edgardo Tinio and Bernardo Diaz.
“The Napolcom has already started its probe on the alleged links of these generals to the illegal drugs business. As soon as they wrap up the investigation, the report will be submitted to the Office of the President,” he said.
Sueno also said he has instructed Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to proceed with the lifestyle check in the entire PNP starting with the police generals.
“As public servants, we are expected to be exemplars of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. So if the policemen or any other civil servant for that matter have acquired unexplained wealth while in active service, they have a lot of explaining to do,” he said.
Sueno said he has ordered the DILG lawyers to conduct a case buildup to gather facts against Loot who was elected as mayor of Daanbantayan, Cebu.
“I have given instructions to them (lawyers) to gather as much evidence as they could to determine the culpability or innocence of the generals, and if the evidence warrants, to build a solid case against them,” Sueno said.
(Francis T. Wakefield)
