Napolcom files charges against 2 ‘narco generals’

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) –   The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has filed formal charges against two police generals included in President Rodrigo Duterte's list of active and retired senior. police officers allegedly involved in the drug trade.

According to Johnson Reyes of the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service of the Napolcom, they found sufficient evidence to charge Chief Superintendents Joel Pagdilao and Edgardo Tinio.

The two generals -- the Philippine National Police, being a civilian organization has done away with military titles but these are still used informally --  are facing charges of serious neglect of duty, serious irregularity in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman for their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

Napolcom Vice Chair Rogelio Casurao said the charges were based on circumstantial and direct evidence against the two senior officials saying documentary evidence will not lie. He said the agency will also determine the direct link between Pagdilao, Tinio and the drug syndicates but clarified that they do not need to prove this.

"It does not have to be actual participation. It is enough that under your watch things are happening less than right," Casurao said in a radio interview with DZBB.

If found guilty of charges, Pagdilao and Tinio may be suspended or dismissed from service.

Meanwhile, the Napolcom still has not found any clear evidence implicating former Region 6 director Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz in his alleged connection to the illegal drug trade. According to other reports, Interior Secretary and Napolcom chair Mike Sueno mentioned they are still drafting the case against Diaz.

On the other hand, the Napolcom has no jurisdiction over retired Directorl Marcelo Garbo and Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot because they are no longer in active service. 

The five senior officers were publicly named by Duterte as being allegedly involved in drugs in a speech before personnel of the  Philippine Air Force on July 5—PNA with reports from Philstar.com/Rosette Adel