MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is distancing itself from recent reports of the alleged deportation of its former chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. from Canada.
PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said they have no information regarding the matter, as she maintained that Azurin was not among those charged in the controversial P6.7-billion shabu seizure in Manila last year.
Fajardo also emphasized that it is the Bureau of Immigration that should provide details on the reported deportation, but the BI has yet to give information as of last night.
The Department of Justice also has yet to validate information regarding the alleged deportation of Azurin from Canada.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said that someone had told him a “story” on Azurin’s alleged deportation, but it has not been validated.
“Somebody told me a story that this happened in the Canadian border, but it has not been validated. I have not validated the report,” Remulla said at a press briefing when asked if he had information on the issue.
“Somebody told me that story, but I cannot confirm that because I have no official information on that matter,” he added.
Azurin was embroiled in the alleged cover-up of the P6.7-billion shabu haul involving high-ranking PNP officers, which the Senate had investigated.
He was later cleared in the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs’ investigation into the massive controversy on the purported involvement of the police force in the illegal drug trade. — Daphne Galvez