Senator Dick Gordon commended President Rodrigo Duterte for instituting the reorganization in the Philippine National Police (PNP) after investigations by the Blue Ribbon, and Justice and Human Rights committees of the Senate have exposed the ‘agaw-bato’ scheme involving 13 police officers tagged as “ninja cops.”
“I would like to commend the President, nagalit siya, nagkaroon ngayon ng overhaul, naglilipatan lahat,” Gordon said referring to the reshuffling of officers being conducted by the PNP. The term “ninja cops” refer to police officers who are linked to the reselling of illegal drugs seized in buy-busts.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed Duterte’s disappointment over the connection of “ninja cops” to illegal drug activities and said the President laments that some members of the PNP are still linked to illegal activities and are raking in earnings that are double their salaries.
“All officials of the PNP are placed on a three-month probation.”
PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa announced that all officials of the PNP are placed on a three-month probation starting Monday, October 21, including those who hold key positions such as regional directors and chiefs of directorates. The statement came following a massive reshuffle that included at least 20 generals and two colonels.
Gamboa also gave marching orders to be implemented immediately, namely: no playing of golf during weekdays; no presence in gambling joints, casinos, cockpits, and public drinking places; no takes from gambling and drug groups; no use of confiscated vehicles; and no use of private vehicles without plate numbers.
“The Senate will continue to keep an eye on the national police force.”
Despite the reshuffle, Gordon stressed that the Senate will continue to keep an eye on the national police force.
“I can assure you, the Senate is going to watch with eagle eyes and see whether this thing will stop,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The major revamp in the PNP was a result of the inquiries conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon and Justice Committees. Gordon serves as chairperson of both committees.
Senate investigations on the implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law exposed various anomalies and corruptions surrounding the PNP, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).