POLICE Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido blamed “failure of intelligence” as the reason behind his inclusion in the drug list. “That is true, maybe failure of intelligence,” said Espenido in a text message to reporters on Tuesday, noting that the influence of other people on high-ranking officials in the Philippine National Police (PNP) may have something to do with his name being on the list. Breaking his silence days after his relief, Espenido said he was surprised that he was among 357 policemen linked to illegal drugs. PNP Chief Archie Francisco Gamboa did not confirm Espenido’s name except to say that the list was being validated. DARWIN PESCO

Source: Manila Times February 18, 2020 10:02 UTC