LIEUTENANT Colonel Jovie Espendio, the ‘poster boy’ of the former Duterte administration’s ‘bloody war on drugs’-turned whistleblower, has been asked by his peers to stop defaming the entire police organization.

Officials said that the Surigao del Sur native obviously was ‘sour-graping’ when he claimed that the PNP is the ‘biggest organized crime syndicate in the country’ during a congressional hearing.

Espenido made a generalization of the police force, of which he remained an active member, not realizing that his tirades have hurt even the families of police officers and men who have served or have been serving the country with dedication.

They include the hundreds of police officers and men who have been killed in the line of duty, those who have died in the hands of armed drug traffickers, kidnappers, robbers and terrorists including the “Gallant 44″ from the PNP Special Action Force.

PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil conferred the posthumous PNP Heroism Medal or Medalya ng Kadakilaan to the late PSSgt. Orvin Seth Lim Felicio who, while in an off-duty capacity, acted in response to a law violation.

The top cop said “PSSg Felicio’s bravery and dedication to duty epitomize the selflessness and heroism that define the men and women of the PNP. His ultimate sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the risks our police officers face daily in their commitment to ensuring public safety and order.”

The PNP chief also emphasized that the valor displayed by PSSg Felicio and other fallen police officers should inspire their colleagues to strive for excellence, resilience and vigilance in fulfilling their duties.

Prior to Espenido’s outburst, Gen. Marbil has paid tribute to the 17 policemen who have been killed and at least 40 others who were wounded in the line of duty since the start of 2024.

The top cop said that the 27 police officers lost their lives in the performance of duty, the 16th identified as Police Master Sgt. Jed Michael Gregorio, a member of the PNP Special Action Force who succumbed to gunshot wounds during a clash with heavily-armed men in Purok 7, Bgy. New Panay in Aleosan, Cotabato last July 10.

“Their courage must inspire us to perform our duties with the highest level of professionalism and utmost concern for our safety,” he said.

However, while the PNP chief was calling on all his men to build upon the sacrifices of their fallen comrades, uphold the highest standards of professionalism and continue serving the nation with unwavering commitment, Espenido has a different idea of what the police force is.

Col. Fajardo said the entire police force was shocked and saddened over the man as she pointed out that PNP does not fall under the definition of an organized crime group.

She also maintained that it is unfair and saddening that an active police officer will implicate the entire police organization in various crimes.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed deep concern and sadness over the recent allegations made during the third joint public hearing of the House Quad Committee, wherein the PNP was described as the “largest organized crime group in the country.” Such a statement casts a shadow over the integrity and dedication of countless men and women in uniform who have sworn to serve and protect the Filipino people,” she said in another statement.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon