DURING a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on October 28, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s stance against “ninja cops”—police officers involved in illegal activities, particularly within the drug trade. Go clarified that Duterte’s directives consistently aimed to address corruption in law enforcement while safeguarding innocent lives.
During the hearing, Go reminded the committee of Duterte’s early tenure as president, during which he doubled police salaries to encourage integrity within the force. However, despite these financial incentives, some officers continued engaging in corrupt practices.
Go asserted that Duterte’s fury over police misconduct, especially among those in league with drug syndicates, was well-known.
“Kung matatandaan natin, na-imbestigahan ito sa Senado noong 2019, kasi ito nga ‘yung rason na galit na galit si PRRD sa ninja cops. Dinoble na niya ang sweldo, nagloloko pa rin, pumapatay,” Go remarked.
He added that Duterte never gave any orders to kill innocents, clarifying that the former president’s ire was directed at police officers abusing their power, not at civilian casualties nor alleged drug abusers.
“Deadly po itong mga ninja cops. Involved po sa sindikato, involved po sa droga. Sabi nga ni Pangulong Duterte noon, wala siyang inutos pumatay ng inosente. Galit siya at gusto niyang—sinabi niya kanina—wala siyang inutos pumatay ng inosente, galit siya at ang gusto niyang tugisin ay ang itong mga ninja cops na ito,” he added.
Go addressed recent social media discussions about a spliced video clip that appeared to quote him endorsing a reward system for the anti-drug campaign.
He emphasized that this statement was taken out of context, originally referring to discussions about handling “ninja cops” after a Senate investigation.
“Hindi po war on drugs ‘yun. Kung papanoorin niyo po ang full video, hindi ko po tinutukoy ang reward system sa war on drugs dito. Tungkol ‘yan sa pagtugis sa ninja cops,” Go clarified.
He reiterated that his comments were related to a Senate discussion from 2019, where both the Duterte administration and the Senate then, separately tackled issues aimed to eliminate corruption within the police force.
“‘Yun ang tinutukoy ko doon. I was merely quoting the former president in his desire to arrest and put an end to these ninja cops since I was asked by the media kung anong sinasabi po ni PRRD noon. Lahat naman ng media, paglabas ko rito, (nagtatanong) anong sinabi ni Pangulong Duterte at sinasabi ko naman, I am not authorized to speak on his behalf,” he added.
During the hearing, Go requested an update from the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding disciplinary actions taken against “ninja cops.” Go specifically asked Inspector General Atty. Brigido Dulay about the status of cases against police officers implicated in criminal conduct.
“Bagama’t dinoble na natin ‘yung sweldo ng mga pulis noong 2018… nandiyan pa rin ‘yung mga tinatawag na ninja cops. Ano na ho ba ang status sa mga kaso nila?” Go inquired.
Dulay responded that while he did not have immediate details, he pledged to submit a comprehensive report to the committee. Dulay assured Go that investigations into police officers involved in misconduct, particularly cases involving firearms and casualties, are ongoing within the IAS.
Go then reiterated Duterte’s expectation that police officers carry out their duties responsibly, safeguarding innocent lives within the bounds of the law. This sentiment, according to Go, highlighted Duterte’s intolerance of any abuse of power among law enforcers. The former president’s stern warnings against misconduct sent a strong message across the ranks, making it clear that abuses would be met with consequences.
“Tulad din naman po ng sinabi ni PRRD noon sa kapulisan, gampanan po nila ang kanilang tungkulin, proteksyunan ang buhay at kapakanan ng mga inosente sa paraang naaayon po sa batas,” Go remarked, underscoring Duterte’s commitment to preventing abuses.
Go emphasized that Duterte’s firm stance against criminality was driven by his genuine love for the country, which resonated deeply with the public.
“This also goes to show that PRRD did not tolerate any abuse of power from the police. His statement somehow prevented abuses from happening by stating a stern warning that anyone who goes beyond his duty will be punished. His strong stance against criminality out of pure love for the country is why he is loved by many,” he concluded.
