POLICE Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido on Thursday, February 20, again agreed to be interviewed by the media in defiance of the gag order issued by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Francisco Gamboa.

He insisted that in a democracy, he has the right to speak out. But he said he was prepared for the consequences and resigned to the possibility of being dismissed from the service for violating the gag order.

"Dahil nag pa interview ako (Because I agreed to be interviewed), and I will suffer the consequences. But this is my right, I have my personal right. Wag nyo lang akong bawalan, or else, wala rin akong magawa," Espenido told reporters in Iloilo City Thursday.

He said he did not speak out to besmirch the PNP's reputation.

"Nahiya nga ako na napahiya sa police na ako nag trabaho ng tama, nag tulong sa presidente, tapos nasa lista. Nahihiya ako," Espenido said.

"Espenido na ang nakataya dito hindi na ang PNP. Sana maunawaan ako. hindi ko pinapahiya ang pulis. nagsabi lang ako ng totoo na ang pulis na si Espenido nag contribute ng konte at maganda sa kapulisan para mabalik ang tiwala ng mga tao sa pulis," he added.

He was in Iloilo to report to the Regional Personnel and Accounting Unit of the Police Regional Office - Western Visayas while awaiting the decision of the Regional Adjudication Board.

The PNP's regional adjudication boards across the country are verifying allegations against Espenido and 356 other policemen who have been listed on President Rodrigo Duterte's illegal drugs watchlist.

Espenido asked for understanding from the public.

"Wag kayo mag judgmental, na husgahan nyo ako. May Panginoon ako na sya bahala kung totoo o hindi," Espenido said. (Don't be judgmental. Don't judge me. I entrust everything to God.)

He said he was grateful to PNP Chief Gamboa for giving him and the 356 other policemen the assurance that the adjudication process would be completed in one month.

"I appreciate the motive of our Chief PNP na binigyan nya ng peace of mind ang mga nasa list na within one month tapusin nya ang adjudication, tapusin nya ang problema ng pulis na palaging nakatulala, nakatingala, takot. So by this progam of Chief PNP, lahat kami napa-believe na ito ang tama," he said.

To those who would be proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt, Espenido said, "wag ka nang mahiya kasi yung ang ginawa mo."

"Pero kung ikaw ma prove na walang ginawa, masaya tayo dahil mag-umpisa naman tayong magtrabaho, hindi tayo floating," he said. (Leo Solinap)