CONTROVERSIAL Ozamiz City Police Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido has warned local officials in his next area of assignment to immediately resign if they are involved in illegal drugs for them to live longer.
Espenido led the operations last week, which resulted in the death of Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and 14 others, including other members of Parojinog’s family.
The Parajinogs were among the local officials earlier tagged by President Duterte in the country’s illegal-drug operations.
National Police chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa earlier said Espenido is a sought-after official in the campaign against illegal drugs, with local officials asking for his assignment in their areas.
Dela Rosa said the next target in the government’s war against illegal drugs is likely where Espenido would be assigned.
Pending his reassignment, Espenido said he would continue to perform his duties and comply with the orders of the higher-ups.
When asked about his message to those involved in illegal drugs where he would be assigned next, Espenido answered: “They should resign if they are involved.”
When pressed why these officials need to resign, Espenido replied “Para humaba buhay ba [So they can live longer]”.
Espenido was among the awardees as the PNP celebrated its 116th founding anniversary last Wednesday.
He bagged the PNP’s Individual Award for Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation.
The police official was at the Department of Justice on Friday to follow up on the complaint filed against him and his men in connection to the encounter with Martilyo Gang members in Ozamiz City in July.