Azurin held by Canadian immigration over abuses under Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. was reportedly questioned by immigration authorities upon his arrival at the Langley Airport in Canada about the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Sources told The STAR that Canadian immigration authorities were reportedly interested to know the details about the Duterte drug war, and even asked Azurin about incumbent senators allied with the previous administration.

Contrary to reports, the same sources said that Azurin was not deported, but opted to take a flight back to the Philippines to avoid further “harassment” by immigration authorities.

“He was not deported. He opted to return to the country while Canadian authorities were still ‘verifying’ results of his interview. There was no deportation,” the source said.

Azurin, although confused by the questioning, obliged and cooperated with the immigration officers, the source said.

Not deported

Azurin denied he was deported by the Canadian government, saying he would address the issue soon.?

“In due time, I will issue my statement and face the media to tell what happen,” Azurin said in a statement released to journalists yesterday.

He said he suspects that a police general was the one spreading lies about his supposed deportation.?He expressed belief that the same police general tipped the Canadian immigration by concocting half truths and lies in the hope that he would be deported.

The Canadian immigration office was apparently informed in advance about Azurin’s arrival as officers were waiting for him upon disembarking from the plane, sources said.

The same sources refused to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the matter pending reactions from concerned