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POGOs funded reward system
By Nidz Godino
"I know that there was reward of 20,000 pesos per kill in drug war… funding came from operators of small-town lotteries or jueteng lords who give money to police regional commanders, provincial commanders, down the line," Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido said.one of the former "poster boys" of Duterte administration's drug war on Wednesday said cash rewards for cops who kill drug suspects came from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and government intelligence funds.
This was bared during House quadcom's third inquiry, where for the first time, active-duty officer admitted cops benefited from controversial reward and quota system under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In his seven-page affidavit, Espenido alleged P20,000 reward "per kill" dangled in drug war. Cash was allegedly funneled "downward from the level of Bong Go" and sourced from POGOs, government intelligence funds and small-town lotteries and "jueteng lords."
"Group or individuals who make the kill receive money," the cop added.
Sen. Bong Go said in statement categorically denies Espenido's allegations. He said he has never transacted or had any ties with any POGO firm and "never handled any funds related to drug war."
When they were assigned quota of 50 to 100 a day, Espenido said he and other cops "only took it to mean had to knock on doors of 50 to 100 households suspected of drug use or trafficking."
Espenido shared he tried to ensure rewards his "stations" received were "legitimate."
"For example, some local government units would award P100,000 for successful arrests involving big-time drug pushers…we accepted these to fund further operations, I personally know some of 'bagmen…many PNCO ,non-commissione officers who were my classmates were murdered… bagmen acting at the beck and call of regional and provincial directors ," he said.
Acknowledging that cops abused their power in the implementation of administration's anti-illegal drugs campaign, Espenido ended his affidavit by affirming what human rights groups have been saying about Duterte's drug war for years:
"I was not able to tell these things in previous hearings held by House of Representatives...all I was able to say is that there was violation of human rights in implementation of drug war," he said.
Espenido was previously touted as "poster boy" or "favorite" of former president for "cleansing" or purging town of Albuera of illegal drugs.
But it was different Espenido that entered Batasang Pambansa on Wednesday, ready to renounce his former superiors. He is currently on floating status at Philippine National Police (PNP) while waiting for retirement.
"From my experience, I can say PNP is biggest crime group in this country," he said.
In a statement on Thursday, PNP cried foul against Espenido's characterization of police force, saying it acknowledges that only few have been led astray.
"We encourage anyone with credible information regarding misconduct within our ranks to come forward," PNP said.
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