Policewoman in trouble for "misusing" donations

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 Director Chief Superintendent Prudencio Bañas expressed disappointment over allegations that a policewoman spent cash donations intended for the victims of the 7.2-magnitude quake in Bohol and super typhoon Yolanda for other purposes.

"I was dismayed, disgruntled. Napaka-walang puso kung totoo yun. Instead ikaw ang magbigay, nanakawan mo pa 'yung nawalan ng bahay," he stated.

He said that the various police units in Central Visayas donated money to the victims which was collected by the Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCRD). Bañas himself donated a substantial amount as assistance to the affected families.

Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) acting chief Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas said that the national police headquarters received a complaint against the policewoman through a text message last week.

He said that it reported the alleged misuse and mishandling of funds for the victims in calamity-hit areas.

"It allegedly turned out that it was not properly liquidated in a way that a certain amount of the funds was not given to the rightful beneficiaries. Ang reklamo kay wa mahatag tanang amount, wala ma-liquidate tanan," he said.

The identity of the policewoman is currently withheld until charges will be formally filed against her.

Lawas added that a fact-finding investigation is being made to find out the specific amount that was reportedly mishandled by the policewoman. He said that they will also look into where the money was used and who received the donation.

He also said that they will also call other RPCRD personnel for their testimonies on the said misappropriation of cash donations.

Deputy chief Superintendent Henry Biñas said that they have summoned the policewoman but she has denied the allegation.

"According to her, wa niya gigamit ang kwarta," he said.

He also said that they would also ask the donors and recipients of the donations if the funds, including the amount, were properly received and turned over to them. He said that their testimonies will justify if the report of the policewoman matches the signed documents.

"We will call the donors and find out how much money was sent and was coursed through her and how did she disburse those amounts," he said.

Biñas said that the results of the ongoing investigation will validate the complaint. He said that a lifestyle check on the policewoman will be conducted if the need arises.

The policewoman will undergo a pre-charge evaluation if the fact-finding team found probable cause against her.  A summary hearing may be recommended after. — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/ATO (FREEMAN)