Palace will not release yet evidence vs generals tagged in drug trade

The Malacañang Palace (Facebook photo)

MANILA—Malacanang will not release the evidence against the named five Philippine National Police (PNP) generals allegedly involved in illegal drugs while the procedural processes are ongoing.

“The evidence (documentary or testimonial) against the named generals should not be released yet as it may prejudice the administrative and criminal investigation/s and case/s against them,” said Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar in a statement.

Andanar said a premature release through the media may also violate the constitutional right to due process of those involved.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday named Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz, Director Joel Pagdilao, Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio, Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. (retired) and Chief Supt. Vicente Loot (retired) as the police generals suspected to be involved in illegal drugs.

The National Police Commission intends to finish the investigation on three generals who are still in active service within a month.

Once they are found guilty, the three PNP officials will be immediately dismissed from the service.