POLICE chief General Oscar D. Albayalde on Friday said he was ready to answer allegations at the Senate that he belonged to a group of rogue police officers connected to the illegal drug trade inside jails.

Mr. Albyalde would clarify the issue of so-called “ninja cops” — high-ranking police officers allegedly involved in the recycling or illegal drugs retrieved from legitimate operations, the Philippine National Police said in a statement on Friday.

Former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong earlier told senators top police and jail officials were involved in the recycling of illegal drugs.

“The PNP’s internal cleansing will be relentless and will continue until all rogue cops especially those involved in illegal drugs will be weeded out from the service and charged in court,” Mr. Albayalde said in the statement.

The Senate justice and blue ribbon committees invited Mr. Albayalde and 15 other police officers allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade at the next committee hearing on Oct 1.

Meanwhile, the Justice department has issued a lookout bulletin order against the alleged drug queen involved in the recycling illegal drugs with rogue cops.

The order would allow authorities to monitor her flight itineraries and whereabouts overseas, according to a copy of a memo issued by Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra to the Immigration bureau.

The Philippine National Police has said it was conducting a case build-up against the drug queen so it can file appropriate charges. — Marc Wyxzel C. Dela Paz and Gillian M. Cortez

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