Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed his concern over his former colleague Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido after the news broke out that the famous and controversial cop was included in the ‘narco list’ of President Rodrigo Duterte.
On a statement, Lacson narrated his days together with Espendio, who’s part of former President Joseph Estrada’s PAOCTF.
He witnessed the ‘integrity’ and ‘dedication’ of Espenido during those days, that’s why he’s surprised when he heard the news about his inclusion to the narco list.
The Senator sent a short message to Espenido to express his concern about what’s happening.
“I remember then PO1 Espenido during our PAOCTF days as someone who consistently performed his duty with integrity and dedication. At least that was how I knew him in the many instances that he faced those challenges. But that time, he was just a non-commissioned officer at the bottom of the salary grade of police personnel. Rising from the ranks, he held several positions of higher authority until his relief recently,” Lacson said.
“This morning, I sent him a text message with a simple question: “What happened?” He has not replied, unlike before, when he would even text me with early morning bible quotes,” he added.
According to Lacson, if the accusations against Espenido are correct, it might be the most significant sign that the Oplan Tokhang of the government is failing already as the controversial cop became the poster boy of the said campaign.
Lacson hopes that Espenido is going to clear himself from the accusations.
“Being his former superior, I hope he can acquit himself and convincingly disprove this very serious allegation against him. Otherwise, he is just one of the many others I personally knew to have succumbed to the pressure,” he said.
Yesterday, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed that Espenido was included in the ‘narco list’ of the Duterte administration.
However, they said that they’re still validating the list that’s why President Duterte is not worried about Espenido’s inclusion.