The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo was cited in contempt for evading questions and repeated dishonesty despite contradicting witness testimonies during the Friday House Quad Committee.
Leonardo denied that a meeting prior to the killings of three Chinese drug suspects had occurred, which conflicted with the claims put forth by the penal farm’s former Officer-In-Charge Gerardo Padilla, former Major Jimmy Fortaleza, and retiree Police Col. Royina Garma.
The panel had given him a final chance to come clean on his involvement in the plot, as the “puzzle” of events had already been pieced together.
“Alam na po namin ‘yung totoong pangyayari. Alam na po namin yung puzzle. Tapos na po,” Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative Stephen Paduano told the former police colonel.
Paduano recalled Leonardo disputed Garma’s admission to convening, and was evasive when asked where the meeting had taken place. He also pointed out that there were three statements standing against his denial.
Leonardo was cited in contempt for evasion and dishonesty, in violation of the Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation. It was also decided that he was to be detained within the premises of the House of Representatives.
He was invited to make an appeal before the committee after the hearing.
