The Department of Interior and Local Government said yesterday that former Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde, based on the findings of the joint DILG-PNP review committee headed by National Police Commission Vice Chairman Casurao and DILG Undersecretary Bernardo Florece Jr., found no substantial evidence to warrant an administrative case against him.
However, the report noted that Albayalde is liable for command responsibility when he was relieved as Pampanga provincial director in 2014. The report added that since Albayalde had already relinquished his post as chief PNP, he can no longer be relieved from his position.
The DILG also noted yesterday the Napolcom has convened a summary hearing board to hear charges against the 13 alleged “ninja” (policemen involved in the recycling of illegal drugs seized in police operations) cops from the Pampanga Police Provincial Office involved in the Nov. 29, 2013 buy-bust operation.
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that the summary dismissal proceedings against the respondents can be completed within 45 calendar days without violating their right to due process.
He noted that pending the resolution of their cases, the respondents will be placed under restrictive custody in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“The filing of new administrative charges against these ninja cops is in light of new evidence gathered by the joint DILG-Napolcom review committee as well as those that came out during the Senate investigation,” said Año.
“Moreover, the President has given his guidance to the DILG to pursue the administrative cases against the 13 ninja cops which we have already started. For the criminal cases against Albayalde, et. al., he leaves it to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman,” he added. (Chito Chavez)
