PRO-6 orders extensive probe on SAP distribution ‘anomalies’

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Investigation on alleged corruption in the distribution of the government’s emergency subsidy program (ESP) in Western Visayas will not be the work of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Region 6 (CIDG) alone.

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 is also probing alleged irregularities relative to the Special Amelioration Program (SAP) fund distribution.

Police Brigadier Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, announced that it has directed subordinate commanders – from provincial and city police directors down to chiefs of police – “to go out of their offices and initiate the extensive investigation on the anomalies and corruptions of barangay officials in SAP distribution.”

Pamuspusan said the local police will be supported by dedicated teams from CIDG-6, a PNP national support unit (NSU), in investigating the irregularities.

In a teleconference Thursday morning, all commanders were directed to establish “Hotline Numbers” and an “Action Center” that will cater to complaints against erring barangay officials.

“In this time of pandemic, corruption has no place in Western Visayas,” Pamuspusan said.

“Our local police will not just sit and wait for the complainants to come to our police stations,” he said.

Pamuspusan stressed that police officers should go to the villages to investigate and look for pieces of evidence on alleged anomalies in the SAP distribution.

After all, this is what President Rodrigo Duterte wants: a war against corrupt officials.

“We further appeal to the public by soliciting their utmost cooperation and vigilance in stopping corruption by openly and freely offering their testimonies to dedicated investigators. We assure them of our full support and protection,” Pamuspusan said.

As of Thursday, the CIDG-6 said it has yet to receive any SAP-related complaint.