Cop confirms reward system in drug war

Controversial police Col. Jovie Espenido yesterday confirmed that there was a reward and quota system under former president Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, which emboldened some police officers to abuse the system.

- SHEILA CRISOSTOMO

Testifying before a hearing of the House of Representatives' quad committee on drug-related killings during the Duterte administration, the police officer said that many innocent civilians died due to abuses committed by the police.

"We'll work (to eliminate) anyone, as long as you're on the (drug) watchlist, your honor," Espenido replied to Ako Bicol party-list Rep.Jil Bongalon's questioning.

"But then, some police officers abused this problem in the war against illegal drugs," he added.

Espenido explained that the "pushers and users" were the ones eliminated in the drug war and not the drug sources themselves.

"I am very, very sorry to say that some police officers took advantage and opportunity (to kill drug pushers) to gain rewards and higher positions," he said.

Bongalon asked Espenido if he was aware that during the anti-drug crackdown, there were strong protests against the human rights violations committed by the police.

Espenido replied in the affirmative, underscoring he believed that human rights were indeed violated during the drug campaign.

He added that instructions for police officers were clear as jargon used in police language.

"There is one general word that when you hear it, we all know the meaning of it. When we say 'to neutralize (illegal drugs),' killing (of pushers) is included. That is very obvious for us," he maintained.

Responding to queries of Manila Third District Rep. Joel Chua, Espenido claimed that when he became the police chief in Albuera, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa called him up and instructed him to dismantle the drug operations in his area.