(Eagle News)—Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde has reminded regional directors to conduct a stringent selection process in setting up drug enforcement units.
The PNP said in a statement that Albayalde gave the order in a recent memorandum.
The order came following the recent arrests of policemen who were assigned at the DEU for alleged extortion.
Only recently, Police Corporal Marlo Quibete of the Eastern Police District’s anti-illegal drugs unit was nabbed after his group allegedly demanded P60,000 from a drug suspect in exchange for the dropping of drug charges against him.
Albayalde subsequently relieved all 15 members of the EPD drugs unit led by Police Major Allan Miparanum, and EPD director Police Brigadier General Bernabe Balba for command responsibility.
In Pasay, Police Corporal Anwar Nasser was also nabbed in an entrapment operation after he reportedly demanded P100,000 from a drug suspect in exchange for his release.
Following his arrest, Pasay police chief Noel Flores and the members of the entire Pasay drugs unit were relieved from their posts.
Albayalde said in the statement that regional directors should supervise themselves the operations of the anti-illegal drug units.
“As we focus on the upcoming 2019 midterm elections, the PNP is also upgrading its well-sustained mechanism to intensify our relentless crusade against illegal drugs,” Albayalde said in the statement.
