MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa came to the defense of the policemen involved in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier filed multiple charges against Supt. Marvin Marcos and several other policemen who conducted a raid in a Leyte jail that resulted in the killing of the mayor.

The NBI also said the findings of its investigation showed that the killing of the mayor was a “rubout”.

Despite the NBI’s findings, Dela Rosa, like his boss President Rodrigo Duterte, came to the defense of the embattled policemen.

"Hindi pa naman proven guilty bakit ko naman sila iko-condemn? Mga tao ko rin sila. That will demoralize our other units," Dela Rosa said.

He added, he will provide assistance to the accused policemen.

"'Mga tao ko yan nagkaipit-ipit sila, nagka-problema. While I have to discipline them dahil mga tauhan ko sila, kung may nagawa silang pagkakamali, I still have to look after them," Dela Rosa said.

"Kung lalabas ang warrant, baka tulungan sila mag-bail, paano i-manifest sa korte na ma-convert into homicide. Titingnan natin.”

Dela Rosa said in case his men get jailed, he wants them to be brought the PNP Custodial Center inside Camp Crame.

"That’s the most logical move na gagawin ko dahil sila’y involved actively in anti-drugs. Gusto mo ba naghalo-halo sila sa kulungan, tapos mas maraming drug suspects sa kulungan, tapos pulis ihalo mo. Baka mamatay iyon dun kung ihalo mo," he said.

Dela Rosa, however, said the processing of administrative charges against the policemen is still ongoing. He clarified that Duterte just wanted to ensure that appropriate assistance be given to their own men.

"We will still continue with our administrative case. Iyung criminal (case) andun sa NBI," Dela Rosa said. “Wish nya (Duterte) hindi makulong, gusto niya hindi makulong kasi mga pulis yun, under niya, being the chief executive," he said.

"Ayaw nya makulong but still, may findings ang NBI. Nirerespeto niya ang findings ng NBI. Sabi nya file the case. He does not want to interfere in the investigation. File a case and let justice take its course.”