By Glazyl Masculino
BACOLOD CITY - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Bacolod has received 14 complaints in six villages here regarding alleged irregularities on the distribution of the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) benefits.
Chief Master Sgt. Ramiro Gocotano, CIDG-Bacolod head, said they are currently investigating Barangays 1, Bata, Felisa, Granada, Mansilingan, and Handumanan.
Gocotano said that the CIDG was the leading agency tasked by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to probe anomalies on SAP distribution.
The issue on the alleged anomalies of SAP distribution made headlines after many identified beneficiaries nationwide failed to receive cash aid from the national government amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
He said that it would be “unfair” if qualified SAP beneficiaries would not be able to receive their cash aid especially in this trying times, while the world is facing a global health crisis.
Gocotano said that they will file charges for Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices, and violation of the Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act against the erring barangay officials and social workers, whom they refused to name, as of press time, pending further validation of the report.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, public information officer of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said that they have also received 20 SAP-related complaints here.