Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7) — Philippine National Police Chief PGen Archie Gamboa has ordered the verification of the alleged involvement of 357 policemen in illegal drugs.
Gamboa told CNN Philippines Friday that these policemen are in President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug watchlist. The highest-ranking officer is a Brigadier General or a one-star rank official.
“I hope the public would not mind for me not to supply more details… I would like to protect their identity because as of yet, they are presumed innocent,” Gamboa said.
The PNP Chief spoke to majority of these policemen who reported in Camp Crame on Friday.
He said the adjudication and validation process will begin on Monday, and that they hope to finish the entire process in a month.
“Two levels. The first level will be regional, national support unit, or directorial staff adjudication boards where they will be heard one week. Then for the next three weeks, they will be passed on to the National Adjudication Board which will be headed by the Deputy Chief PNP for Administration,” the PNP Chief said.
Gamboa said those who will be proven to have no connection with illegal drugs will be removed from the drug watchlist.
Meanwhile, case build-up that may lead to administrative and criminal charges will be filed against those who will be proven to be involved in illegal drug transactions.
The National Adjudication Board will present the final list to Gamboa, which will later on be endorsed to the President for action.
Gamboa says this is part of the internal cleansing program that he promised to the President when he took the helm of the police force.
