Another ex-PNP chief ordered arrested

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan Third Division has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jesus Verzosa in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of 75 rubber boats in 2009 worth P131.5 million.

Apart from Versoza, those charged with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act were former PNP Deputy Director General and now Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano, former police Directors Luizo Ticman, Ronald Roderos, and Romeo Hilomen, former Chief Superintendent Herold Ubalde, former Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino, Jr., and former Chief Superintendent Villamor Bumanglag.

The anti-graft court recommended P30,000 bail each for Versoza and the co-accused for their temporary liberty.

This is the second arrest warrant issued by the court against Verzosa. The first is associated with the alleged anomalous purchase of helicopters by the PNP wherein Versoza already posted bail.

Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan sheriff personnel yesterday arrested Roderos after he attended the hearing on the chopper scam at the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.

Both Roderos and Soriano posted bail on the charge regarding the purchase of rubber boats.

Ticman, Hilomen and Belarmino have already posted bail even before arrest warrants were issued against them.

Ubalde and Bumanglag have not showed up at the anti-graft court yet.

The ombudsman earlier said that the purchase of 75 rubber boats and 18 spare engines under the PNP Maritime Group 2008 Annual Procurement Plan was anomalous.