By Aaron Recuenco
Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered the creation of investigating teams that wILL look into local government officials involved in THE anomalous distribution of cash assistance to those affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa
(PNP / MANILA BULLETIN)
Gamboa said he had already tasked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to intensify intelligence-gathering against corruption-related issues on the distribution of Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
“CIDG probers will closely examine disbursement records, receipts, and other paper trail evidence, as well as sworn statements of fund recipients to uncover alleged irregularities,” said Gamboa.
President Duterte earlier warned local government officials against engaging in anomalies involving the cash assistance from the government to the poor.
The Chief Executive even mentioned a barangay councilor in Bulacan who allegedly took money from the SAP beneficiaries.
There were also reports about multiple entries in the SAP list of beneficiaries and the inclusion of non-qualified people.
“Our dedicated investigating teams will gather evidence to establish a strong case against local executives for alleged graft and corruption in the distribution of government cash aid for the poor,” Gamboa said.
He added that the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) under the supervision of the Administrative Support Task Force will closely monitor the progress of the investigation of these cases to ensure the successful prosecution of the guilty party.