Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido is included in the drug list of President Rodrigo Duterte, a report by Rappler said.
According to the social news network, the inclusion of Espenido, who led several high-profile drug operations in the country, was confirmed by “two police generals privy to the list on Wedenesday, Feb. 12.”
“On Friday, Feb. 7, PNP chief General Archie Gamboa convened a meeting with cops who have been included in the President’s drug list, all sacked from their posts and placed under Gamboa’s office because of their inclusion,” the report said.
“One of the cops present in the meeting in the Camp Crame National Headquarters meeting was Espenido, surprising officials in the conference,” the report added.
Espenido was relieved as deputy director for operations of the Bacolod City Police Office. His relief, according to Police Regional Office (PRO-6) spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong, took effect on Feb. 5.
The relief order, signed by Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, was issued by Maj. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, chief of the Philippine National Police directorial staff.
Malong said they had no idea why Espenido was relieved from his post.
The controversial cop was reassigned to the office of General Archie Francisco Gamboa, PNP chief.
Espenido was assigned by President Rodrigo Duterte in Bacolod City in October last year to head the anti-drug campaign.
Aside from Espenido, the PNP also releived 14 other police officials.
Accrding to ABS-CBN News sources the relieved cops “have past or pending cases, including alleged drug links and involvement in corruption.”
Espenido was the chief of police in Albuera, Leyte when then-mayor Rolando Espinosa was shot dead inside his jail in 2016.
In 2017, Espenido was transferred to Ozamiz City. Then-Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog, his wife Susan and 13 others were confirmed killed in simultaneous drug raids.IMT
