Sen. Leila M. de Lima said yesterday that Bong Go, President Duterte’s closest aide and head of the Presidential Management Staff, ordered Philippine National Police chief Director Gen. Ronaldo “Bato” M. dela Rosa to reinstate the head of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8 who was tagged in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
“Dapat malaman natin kung sino ‘yung higher up na ‘yan dahil hindi naman niya sinabi na it’s the President himself.
(But) I have an idea who is,” De Lima said. “Ma-libel kaya ako? I know. I have my own source,” she said.
But De Lima said it was indeed one of the President’s men. “Tao ni Duterte. I got this (information so), I better do it. Anyway, what more can they do to me?” she said.
“I have my own sources, I m just quoting a source, pero hindi ko ire-reveal ang source ko. Kawawa naman siya. (It’s) Bong Go,” De Lima said.
Dela Rosa had said that it was a “higher up” and a “kumpare” who ordered the reinstatement of Supt. Marvin Marcos, who was relieved as chief of the CIDG Region 8 after Espinosa was killed inside the Leyte sub-provincial jail in Baybay City.
The PNP chief said someone called him up when asked about Marcos’ reinstatement, but refused to reveal the identity of the one who called.
“I would not identify who, but someone called me. I’m not a liar but I will not tell you who called me because that is only for me,” said Dela Rosa, who added that the caller is someone higher than him.
De Lima said its up for Malacanang to deny the information. “Let them deny that. If they deny, okay,” the former Justice Secretary said.
“Di naman ako ang source. I’m just quoting a source. That’s an open secret among PNP officials na its Bong Go,” she said.
Go has strongly denied allegations he negotiated the reinstatement of Marcos.
Go said he neither knows personally Marcos nor meddles with the affairs of the PNP.
“The allegations are pure hearsay and unsubstantiated. I cannot recall having met former CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) Region 8 head Supt. Marcos and I don’t know him personally,” Go said in a text message to reporters.
“I did not ask General Bato (dela Rosa) to reinstate him. I also do not interfere with the affairs and functions of the PNP,” Go added. (Hannah L. Torregoza and Genalyn D. Kabiling)