MANILA, Aug. 10 — Ozamiz City Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espinido on Thursday warned local officials involved in illegal drugs to resign from their post or face prosecution.
Espenido led the anti-drug operations in the city last July 30 which resulted in the death of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and 14 others.
While he has yet to know his next assignment, Espenido stressed he will abide by orders from the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Kung saan ako malagay, resign na lang, kung involved (in illegal drugs),para humaba buhay,” Espenido told reporters at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday.
Espenido went to DOJ to check the complaint filed against him and his men in connection to the encounter with Martilyo Gang members in Ozamiz City in July.
“Nagvisit kasi may subpoena sa office natin sa mga tao natin, walang attachment kaya (we clarified) sa office ni Fiscal Bollordon na bakit walang attachment hindi macounter kung walang attachment. June 1 na nangyari sa Ozamis na nakuha natin member ng matrilyo gang wanted persons, so may subpoena dito galing kaya pumunta para makareply naman PNP side.
Espenido was among the awardees as the PNP celebrated its 116th founding anniversary Wednesday.
He bagged the PNP’s Individual Award for Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation.
Espinido thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his wholehearted support to the PNP.
Such trust has greatly boosted the morale of the 190,000-strong police force, he added.
During Wednesday’s anniversary where he was the guest-of-honor, Duterte said he will do everything to protect them in the ongoing crusade against illegal drugs as long their actions are above board and legal. PNA-northboundasia.com