357 cops under probe for drugs told to retire

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa has urged 357 police officers who are being investigated for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade to apply for early retirement to spare the PNP from shame.

Gamboa gave the option to the police officers during a meeting at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday.

“If you think you’re guilty at hindi kayo makakalusot sa kaso, you better apply for optional retirement,” Gamboa said on the sidelines of the PNP’s 29th Foundation Day at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig yesterday.

He said one of the police officers, whom he refused to identify, has availed himself of early retirement.

Those who will decide to retire from the police service are not yet off the hook, Gamboa said.

“They can still face charges even after retirement,” he said.

Gamboa has ordered an investigation of police officers who are included in President Duterte’s drugs watchlist.

The PNP chief said he expects the probe to be over in a month.

Instead being subjected to an inquiry, Gamboa said the police officers may help the PNP by retiring early.

He said they were still  validating the names of other police officers in Duterte’s drug watchlist.

Gamboa promised the police officers, including a one-star general, that he would not reveal their names in public, adding that they remain innocent unless proven guilty.

When asked if Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido is included, Gamboa refused to comment.

Espenido, who led a bloody operation against members of the Parojinog family in Ozamiz City, has been relieved from his post as deputy director for operations of the Bacolod City police.