CIDG files more SAP-related raps

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Bacolod continues to go after erring barangay officials and individuals who are allegedly involved in irregularities in the distribution of the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police Chief Master Sergeant Ramiro Gocotano, CIDG-Bacolod head, said criminal charges were filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday against Mandalagan village chief Arturo Parreno and Kagawads (council members) Bernabe Canoy, Aaron Abao, and Michael Medel.

The other respondents were the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), a purok president, and five barangay staffs.

Gocotano said charges against the 11 respondents included violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft Corrupt Practices Act, RA 11469 or the Bayanihan Act to Heal, and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

He said they received a complaint from five residents of the village accusing the respondents of selecting SAP beneficiaries who were reportedly their closest relatives, family members, political affiliates, and others who were not qualified for the cash assistance.

The SAP grant should be given to qualified beneficiaries identified as poorest of the poor and affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

He also said that the SK chairperson was allegedly used by the village councilmen to join in the selection process team, although she’s not yet authorized to do so.

The village is among the four barangays here being investigated by the CIDG in relation to SAP irregularities.

The respondents have yet to comment on the accusations against them.