Sacked Bacolod police chief not on drug list — Albayalde

MANILA, Philippines — The former police chief of Bacolod City sacked by President Duterte for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade is not included in the watchlist of the Philippine National Police, according to PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.

“As far as I am concerned, wala (none),” Albayalde said at a press briefing when asked if Senior Supt. Francisco Ebreo is in their watchlist of police officers allegedly involved in narcotics.

From what he heard, Albayalde said Ebreo is a snappy police officer. But Albayalde said he is not discounting the possibility that Ebreo is involved in some illegal activities.

Albayalde also stressed that they have no right to question Duterte’s directive, adding the President has unlimited sources of information.

“If that is the wisdom of the President, we should implement the order,” Albayalde said.

Asked if the information on Ebreo’s supposed illegal activities came from them, he said: “I think a little part of it probably came from the PNP and most of it came from other sources of the President.”

Duterte sacked Ebreo along with his deputy for administration Supt. Allan Macapagal, deputy for operations Supt. Ritchie Yatar and Station 3 commander Senior Insp. Victor Paulino for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

He also mentioned Supt. Nasruddin Tayuan who is assigned in Mindanao.

Albayalde assured the public that due process will be given to Ebreo and the other officials.