MANILA, Philippines — If the police officers who are part of the drug watchlist are being protected by those in power, it may lead to an “erosion” of people’s trust in the Philippine National Police (PNP), Vice President Leni Robredo warned on Sunday. ADVERTISEMENT“If the stance of the police shows that there are cover-ups, this is when the erosion of people’s trust starts,” she added. She made the warning as the name of Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido, who became controversial for his hard-hitting campaign against illegal drugs, was later included in the drug watchlist. READ: ‘Espenido included in drugs watchlist’Robredo later clarified that she was not in the position to say whether or not the accusations against Espenido were true. If that institution was the one that did the cover-up, we have a big problem there.”/atmRead NextEDITORS' PICKMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 16, 2020 10:52 UTC