After an interrupted retirement, De la Paz says he's ready to face inquiry

MANILA, Philippines – Known as a simple and good officer with unblemished reputation, former police Director Eliseo de la Paz could have retired from the service and lived a simple and quiet life.

But after the trip to Russia where he and his wife were questioned by Moscow airport authorities over the excess cash they were carrying, he now finds himself in the middle of a raging controversy.

A week after the incident, De la Paz said his family was emotionally affected, but he maintained he is ready to face the inquiry.

De la Paz, 56, former comptroller of the Philippine National Police (PNP), graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1976. He is a “mistah” or classmate of PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Alexander Yano, Metro Manila Police chief Director Jefferson Soriano, among other police and military officers.

De la Paz had been assigned to various intelligence, operations and administrative positions at the PNP and had been given at least 80 awards, commendations, recognition and citations .

Before he was assigned as PNP comptroller, De la Paz served as police director of Eastern Visayas region.

A native of Lubao, La Union, De la Paz is married to Ma. Fe “Meeah” Carunungan with whom he has three daughters and a son.

“If you know him, he is a good man. Everybody in the PNP knows he will be able to overcome this trial. He and his family live a simple life, he does not have an expensive car,” a ranking PNP official said.

De la Paz finished his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the Jose Rizal College in 1999. He is also holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from the Manuel L. Quezon University.

His service record indicated De la Paz attended at least 29 police-related functions, study tours, foreign training and other activities, both locally and abroad.

He had gone on training under the sponsorship of the Japan International Co-operation Agency in Tokyo, Japan in 1984; Army Logistics Management Training in Fort Lee, Virginia, USA; a study tour in London; Odometer and Title Fraud Enforcement in San Diego, California; and another study tour at Houston State University in Hudsville, Texas.