By Elena Aben

President Rodrigo Duterte admitted he was the one who told Philippine National Police director general Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on the phone not to remove Supt. Marvin Marcos as head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in region 8.

He likewise disclosed his top aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, called Dela Rosa upon his instruction.

“Ganito iyan, si Bong inorderan ko, call. By the time pinasa niya, ang sumagot si Dela Rosa,” Duterte said in an interview by CNN Philippines in Davao City late Friday, December 2.

“Sabi ko, do not remove the guy because kasali iyan sa… I am doing an investigative job,” the president stressed, explaining that their efforts of building up the case against police officials involved in the illicit drug trade will be wasted if Marcos is removed.

Duterte also defended Chief Supt. Asher Dolina, the former police director for Eastern Visayas.

“Natapos na iyon… si Dolina was cleared. Marcos, positive. Kasi I was keeping track of his movements. Alisin mo… doon, mawala bigla ang… mawala lahat. Hindi ko masundan,” the president said.

When asked what will happen to Marcos now that he is saying that the said police official is “positive,” Duterte said he has to face the charges. “But ngayon… Let him maintain the right to be heard.”

Earlier, in a speech during the graduation ceremony of the Motorcyle Riding Course Class 06-2016, Duterte cleared Go from allegations he was the one who sought Marcos’ reinstatement as claimed by Senator Leila De Lima.

“Huwag kayo maniwala na si Bong Go ang tumawag para kay (Marcos),” the president said.

“I’d like to make it public… sabi ko as it is kayo diyan. Doon ko nalaman si Dolina malinis, si Marcos may tama.. huwag mong galawin kasi gusto ko tingnan. Ngayon kung biglain mo, mapuputol iyong nagbi-build up ng kaso.”

He also maintained it is Dela Rosa’s prerogative whether to retain Marcos or not, especially since they were still building up a case.

“Maski na sabihing criminal iyan, let the law take its own (course). Tanggalin mo mag-probe pa kami. Second is mag-low morale ang mga tao. Iyong ibang police ‘di man nila malaman na we are doing the investigative work.

“So hindi totoo yun si Bong Go ang tumawag (kay PNP chief).”

Go earlier denied De Lima’s accusation: “The allegations are pure hearsay and unsubstantiated.”

“I cannot recall having met former CIDG region 8 head Supt. Marcos and I don’t know him personnally. I did not ask General Bato to reinstate him. I also do not interfere with the affairs and functions of the PNP,” Go emphasized.