Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa assures he will stand by the decision of the Internal Affairs Service regarding its investigation on the controversial death of former Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr.
While Dela Rosa refuses to divulge the recommendation of the investigating body, sources reveal that the IAS has recommended actions that are unfavorable to the respondents such as dismissal, suspension, and demotion.
Recently, the National Bureau of Investigation filed multiple criminal charges against 24 police officers of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8 led by Supt. Marvin Marcos who are all accused of killing Espinosa, Sr. inside his jail while supposedly serving a warrant of arrest last November 5.
Marcos and his men were charged administratively with cases that have a maximum penalty of dismissal from the service. The administrative cases are on top of the two counts of murder leveled against them.
However, Dela Rosa admits he cannot do anything should the President comes out with a decision that will go against the result of the investigation.
Asked to explain the statement of Duterte that he would pardon the group of Marcos, Dela Rosa said the message that the Chief Executive would want to impart is that he fully supports the policemen in anti-drugs war.
“Ayaw niyang pabayaan ang mga pulis na nagta-trabaho. Ever since he was a fiscal, he is known to be a supporter of law enforcement,” said Dela Rosa. ““Let us not say that it will embolden police officials with criminal minds, criminal intentions and police officers with scalawag mentality. We know the President in terms of his being strict against scalawag policemen.” (AARON RECUENCO)