(Eagle News) — The Bacolod police officials who were relieved by President Rodrigo Duterte for allegedly allowing the proliferation of the illegal drug trade there received a “dressing down” from no less than the chief executive himself, the Palace said on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said former Bacolod police chief Senior Supt. Francisco Ebreo, Supt. Allan Macapagal, Supt. Richie Yatar, Supt. Naruddin Tayuan and Senior Insp. Victor Paulino were “castigated” by Duterte in a meeting in the Palace on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
“The President particularly expressed his frustration as to why they had no knowledge about the presence of certain personalities in Bacolod who were involved in the illegal drug industry,” Panelo said.
According to Panelo, Duterte also reiterated the police officials were relieved “pending their investigation.”
Panelo said Duterte’s “swift action” is a “timely warning to other (Philippine National Police) officers that the President will not tolerate incompetence and inefficiency in the police force, especially with respect to the administration’s crusade versus illegal drugs.”
He reiterated the government’s drive against illegal drugs will remain “firm and relentless,” adding that the government would support policemen who killed drug suspects in the performance of their duties and in self-defense.
Duterte relieved the Bacolod police officials over the weekend, after accusing them of being involved in the illegal drug trade.
Western Visayas police head Chief Supt. John Bulalacao had expressed surprise Ebreo had been relieved, citing what he said were his accomplishments in Bacolod.
But the Palace stood by Duterte’s order, saying the President had access to information others did not have access to.
