(Eagle News)–Former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Benjamin Magalong has welcomed the charges recommended against former Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde by a joint Senate panel that probed the ninja cops issue.
It was Magalong, now the Baguio mayor, who told senators about Albayalde’s call to then-Central Luzon regional police director Aaron Aquino for him not to implement the dismissal order against the 13 policemen behind an irregular drug raid in Mexico, Pampanga in 2013.
Aquino confirmed Magalong’s testimony.
Retired Brigadier General Rudy Lacadin also told senators Albayalde called him upon learning he was probing the raid, and said “onti lang naman napunta sa akin diyan.”
Albayalde has denied influencing anyone into doing anything, and questioned Lacadin’s timing of making the allegations.
According to Magalong, even if the evidence against Albayalde was “circumstantial,” the case against him was strong.
The panel had recommended that Albayalde be charged for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act.
“Ako po ay lubos na sumusuporta sa kanilang findings dahil halata naman talaga ho, makikita nyo naman talaga na malakas..,” Magalong said.