A group of former chiefs of the Philippine National Police (PNP) dared a top official of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to name the ex-top cop who allegedly assisted dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo in leaving the country.
In a statement, the Council of Chiefs headed by Renato de Villa and Edgar Aglipay described the statement of retired general and Pagcor senior vice president for Security and Monitoring Cluster Raul Villanueva as irresponsible as his allegation was based on unvalidated information and rumors.
“The Council of Chiefs, composed of former Chiefs of the Philippine National Police, strongly condemns the irresponsible statement made by retired AFP (Armed Forced of the Philippines) brigadier general now a senior PAGCOR official, Raul Villanueva, during the Senate investigation of illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators),” the statement read.
“This is a sweeping accusation which maligns and brings dishonor to all of us, former Chiefs, who have dedicated the best years of our lives in the service of the Filipino nation,” it added.
During a Senate hearing on Sept. 17, Villanueva said a former PNP chief did not only assist Guo on her way out of the country but also listed in her monthly payola.
Villanueva’s statement also offended PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil who said that it affected the integrity of the entire police organization.
The Council of Chiefs, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment in Villanueva.
“As a retired Brigadier General himself, schooled in the Philippine Military Academy's tradition of producing an "Officer and a Gentleman", it is incumbent upon himself, in the interest of transparency, fairness and justice, to identity this rogue former PNP chief to clear the names of those not involved,” the statement read.
Apology and charges
Marbil had earlier ordered an investigation into the allegation of Villanueva through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
He also warned that if Villanueva would not be able to substantiate his claim, the PNP may file charges against him.
The Council of Chiefs, meanwhile, is asking for apology if Villanueva could not substantiate his claim.
“If the information turns out false after validating the report, we hereby demand a public apology, no less, from the same officer (Villanueva),” the statement read.
Marbil is the 30th PNP chief and currently, there are 24 living former top cops.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said a meeting was already set this week between the CIDG and Villanueva.
“We want to start the investigation in the soonest possible time to determine if what he said has basis. We owe it to the public to clear the issue,” said Fajardo.
“Remember, he was under oath when issued the statement and he is at least morally obliged to really clear the issue to be fair to all the former PNP chiefs.