PNP reassures support to VP Leni as ICAD co-chair

“Of course, oo naman (yes),” Gamboa told reporters as he responded to questions on whether he sees Robredo as an ally in the drug war. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa on Thursday said it will continue to support Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

“Of course, oo naman (yes),” Gamboa told reporters as he responded to questions on whether he sees Robredo as an ally in the drug war.

Gamboa’s remarks came amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration that he does not fully trust Robredo.

“We support her. Lest we would have not attended the meetings with her,” Gamboa added.

Earlier, Gamboa said the ICAD has four clusters and the Vice President should focus on the drug war’s aspect of advocacy and rehabilitation.

Gamboa also said that the PNP agreed with the position of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to disclose the contents of intelligence reports on high-value targets (HVTs) in the anti-illegal drugs campaign to Robredo, but only in a closed-door meeting.

Gamboa added the law enforcement and prosecution aspect of the government’s anti-illegal drugs should be left to the PNP, PDEA as well as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

On Tuesday, President Duterte has reconsidered his decision to appoint Vice President Leni Robredo to the Cabinet after she made “missteps” in her role as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo enumerated Robredo’s three missteps that made Duterte change his mind about giving her a Cabinet post.

Panelo said Duterte was also disinclined because of Robredo’s “tendency to be generous with acquired information”.

Panelo added the President’s appointment of Robredo as anti-drug czar is not a mistake.

“It was not a mistake. Anybody who wants to help the government is welcome,” Panelo said.

He said Duterte’s decision to appoint Robredo is not a matter of his trust in her but his desire to listen to her suggestions to solve the country’s drug problem.