PNP chief glad over DOJ order of filing drug charges vs Kerwin, et al.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed on Thursday the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file charges against self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and several others.

PNP chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde said there was damning evidence against Espinosa and the case build-up of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been “consistent from the start.”

“I am glad that DOJ found merit in the case filed by the CIDG against Kerwin Espinosa and several other respondents for violation of [Republic Act] 9165,” Albayalde said in a statement.

R.A. 9165 is the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“There was damning evidence to indict Kerwin, et al. for the crime,” he said.

“Rest assured the PNP will provide DOJ with all available evidence and information to establish a strong case against the respondents,” he added.

Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said, “The Palace is very pleased that the wheels of justice are turning to hold them accountable.”

The DOJ on Thursday ordered the filing of drug charges against Espinosa and several others, reversing its 2017 findings clearing them of the charges.

READ: DOJ reverses 2017 findings, orders filing of case vs Kerwin, et al.

A different panel of DOJ prosecutors in December dismissed the drug complaint filed against Espinosa and alleged Cebu drug lord Peter Lim for “weak evidence.”

The resolution also dismissed complaint against convicted drug lord Peter Co, Lovely Impal, Marcelo Adorco, Max Miro, Ruel Malindangan, Jun Pepito and other personalities known only by their aliases.

The resolution only came to light in March after being reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, drawing widespread criticism against the DOJ and the Duterte administration. /je

READ: Drug case vs Peter Lim, others dropped; DOJ cites weak evidence

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