The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will drop the investigation into the alleged involvement of a retired chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.
This, after Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) senior vice president Raul Villanueva admitted that his statement in the Senate investigation, including his claim that the same former PNP chief, is in the monthly payola of Guo, was based on mere rumors within the intelligence community.
The admission came after Francisco met with Villanueva as part of the investigation order of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
“I asked him if he could provide information on the statement he issued in the Senate and he explained that it was mere rumors from the intelligence community,” said Francisco.
“He said he will clarify this in the next hearing,” he added.
It is not immediately clear if the CIDG will pursue a case against Villanueva amid the declaration of Marbil that they are planning to file a case against the former if he could not provide pieces of evidence.
Marbil earlier explained that Villanueva’s statement affected not only the 24 living former PNP chiefs but also the entire police organization.
In a statement released on Sunday, Sept. 22, the Council of Chiefs, a group of former PNP chiefs, dared Villanueva to name the retired PNP chief.
The group also demanded a public apology from Villanueva if he could not prove his allegation.