(Eagle News) — Former Quezon City Police Chief General Edgardo Tinio denied that he had ever been involved in the illegal drug operations, and said he would do all he could to clean his name.
“It’s an uphill battle,” said Tinio when he was interviewed by media in Camp Crame, saying he was surprised that his name was even mentioned by President Duterte.
Tinio said he would report to the Philippine National Police chief Director General the very next morning to clear his name, and answer all accusations against him.
But he said, he had lost the drive to stay on the police service after what happened.Tinio said he would opt for an early retirement.
“Itong aking ginagawa na ito, hindi bilang paglaban sa ating Pangulo. Gusto ko lang linisin ang pangalan ko,” Tinio said in an interview with defense reporters.
“Sana po Sir, bago ninyo po ginawa yun, piatawag niyo po muna kami,” Tinio said addressing the President. Tinio said he would have proven wrong whoever was accusing him of any wrongdoing.
Tinio said he could not speak for the other generals who have been named by the President, when asked by reporters about the reaction of the other police officials.
“I cannot say anything about their predicament. Basta yung sarili ko lang ang aking paninindigan,” Tinio said.
At one point, the police general became emotional during his interview.
He said he had been telling all his subordinates before that they should not wear their police uniform anymore once they commit any crime.
Tinio said he had also told his family to stay strong in the face of this accusation against him, and that in the end, he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.