Duterte warns at least 60 ‘gangster’ cops to leave PNP

After they were ordered to return to the administration’s controversial drug war, at least 60 police officers would be asked to withdraw from the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“[On] Wednesday, mga tatlong (three) superintendent, about 90, siguro mga (or a) minimum of 60 police, umalis kayo sa (leave the) PNP,” Duterte said during the birthday celebration of Senator Manny Pacquiao on Sunday.

The President said the move is part of the government’s internal cleansing in the agency.

“I am starting the purging at huwag kayong mainsulto kung hindi ka naman tinatamaan (and don’t feel insulted if you are not affected)…I’m just warning itong mga pulis na kurakot (these corrupt policemen)… talagang hihiritan ko kayo, babantayan ko kayo (I am watching you),” he said.

Duterte spoke out against police personnel who are in cahoots with criminal gangs or corrupt local government officials. He stressed his predicament that if they leave the police force, they will become guns-for-hire of gangs.

“Kayong mga gangster na nasa police o nasa gobyerno, medyo may takot ako na ‘pag wala kayo sa serbisyo, ‘yung baril ninyo na nalaman ninyo then you start to bed, makitulog ka na doon sa mga gangster (You gangster in the police force or in government, I’m afraid that once you leave the service, you will use your gun when you stay with gangsters),” the Chief Executive said.

According to Duterte, one practice of corrupt policemen is to use their abilities as law enforcers to steal or engage in illegal drug trafficking.

The President warned police personnel he will “destroy” anyone who is involved in these corrupt practices.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed on Monday he submitted a list of unscrupulous policemen, including three superintendents, to the President.

Dela Rosa, in an ambush interview, revealed that the highest police rank included in the list was a senior superintendent. However, he did not give further details on the matter.

“Marami superintendent na naibigay ang pangalan eh. Magkita naman kami mamaya (ni Duterte)… Hindi lang superintendent hanggang sa PO1 na involved nandun (Many names of superintendents were given out. We will meet (Duterte) later… It is not just superintendent, even PO1 who were involved were also included,” the PNP Chief was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report.

Dela Rosa also expressed frustration over the scoundrel policemen, who insist to destroy the image of police force given the fact that many had already been caught and imprisoned.

“Ibig sabihin (This means that) they’re just risking their life, their future their career and the future of their family just because of the comfort na naibigay ng ilegal na droga (that illegal drugs provide). I don’t see the logic,” he added.