President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday named five police generals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade in the country.
In his speech at the Philippine Air Force 69th year anniversary, Duterte named General Marcelo Garbo, alleged protector of drug syndicates in the country; General Vicente Loot, now elected mayor in one of the municipalities of Cebu; General Bernardo Diaz of Region 11; General Joel Pagdilao of the NCPO; and General Edgardo Tinio, former Quezon City Police Department director.
Duterte said he is compelled by his sense of duty to the public to expose the truth particularly police officials involved in illegal activities, who, according to him contributed to the deterioration of the law and order of the country.
The President said he is not apologizing for the revelation.
He ordered PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa to relieve the five generals involved in the illegal drug trade from their assignments.
He also ordered an in-depth investigation in the involvement of the five generals.
“I still have to validate it. I have raw information. But don’t give me ‘zarzuela’ report because I want you to look into this,” he furthered.
He added, “I do not necessarily humiliate people, I don’t practice it because I am a politico but I have this sacred obligation to the Filipino people. A sacred oath to tell you the truth.”
The President said people have always thought that they are protected by the police.
“Primarily it hurts to hear you (police) commit (wrongdoing). By any language it is treason,” he said.
He said even during his stint as Davao City Mayor that he had so many validations on the names of the five generals in the intensification of criminal syndicates and drug distribution.