Azurin held by Canadian immigration over abuses under Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. was reportedly questioned by immigration authorities upon his arrival at the Langley Airport in Canada about the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Sources told The STAR that Canadian immigration authorities were reportedly interested to know the details about the Duterte drug war, and even asked Azurin about incumbent senators allied with the previous administration.

Contrary to reports, the same sources said that Azurin was not deported, but opted to take a flight back to the Philippines to avoid further “harassment” by immigration authorities.

“He was not deported. He opted to return to the country while Canadian authorities were still ‘verifying’ results of his interview. There was no deportation,” the source said.

Azurin, although confused by the questioning, obliged and cooperated with the immigration officers, the source said.

Not deported

Azurin denied he was deported by the Canadian government, saying he would address the issue soon.?

“In due time, I will issue my statement and face the media to tell what happen,” Azurin said in a statement released to journalists yesterday.

He said he suspects that a police general was the one spreading lies about his supposed deportation.?He expressed belief that the same police general tipped the Canadian immigration by concocting half truths and lies in the hope that he would be deported.

The Canadian immigration office was apparently informed in advance about Azurin’s arrival as officers were waiting for him upon disembarking from the plane, sources said.

The same sources refused to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the matter pending reactions from concerned agencies here and in Canada.

“Given the chance, he will tell his story at the proper time,” Azurin’s colleague, who requested anonymity, told The STAR in a separate interview.

The colleague said Azurin is currently abroad to attend to personal engagements.

Reports circulating over the weekend until Monday said Azurin was accosted and deported from Canada.

Philippine authorities have yet to comment on the issue.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it is not in a position to confirm or deny reports about Azurin’s alleged deportation from Canada.

During a press conference yesterday, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said she could not confirm or deny anything because it was an action done by the Canadian immigration.

Asked for any available information about Azurin’s travel, Sandoval said the BI has records of his departure and arrival, but these could not be shared due to data privacy.

“We have that on record, but we have not received any information about his alleged deportation,” Sandoval said.

She said it is not mandatory for other countries to inform the Philippine immigration about their deportation proceedings.

Sandoval said although some countries and airlines do provide data, there have been no information or updates regarding Azurin’s supposed deportation.

Azurin, who retired in April this year after serving as top cop for eight months, was the first PNP chief appointed by President Marcos.

He was succeeded by Gen. Benjamin Acorda.

During his term, Azurin led the investigation on the narco-generals, which prompted the PNP and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to conduct lifestyle checks and background investigation on close to 1,000 police officers, from colonels to generals.

The lifestyle check and background investigation on the alleged narco-generals were recommended by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who chairs the Napolcom.

Asked to comment on the allegations about Azurin, Abalos told The STAR that his office was still verifying the matter “with legitimate sources.”

“I have no knowledge about this Azurin incident,” Abalos said in a text message to The STAR.

In July, Marcos accepted the resignation of 18 police officials tagged by the PNP Advisory Group to have allegedly been involved in illegal drugs.

These officials were brigadier generals Remus Medina, Randy Peralta and Pablo Labra II as well as colonels Rogarth Campo, Rommel Ochave, Rommel Velasco, Robin King Sarmiento, Fernando Ortega, Rex Derilo, Julian Olonan, Rolando Portera, Lawrence Cajipe, Dario Menor, Joel Tampis, Michael David, Igmedio Bernaldez, Rodolfo Albotra Jr. and Marvin Sanchez.

Prior to this, Azurin was implicated in the issue, but was cleared by a Senate panel investigating the alleged cover-up on a major drug haul involving 990 kilos of shabu with an estimated value of P6.7 billion in Manila in October last year. – Emmanuel Tupas, Mark Ernest Villeza