PDEG eyes money laundering probe on cops

MANILA, Philippines — As part of efforts to weed out scalawags among their ranks, Drug Enforcement Group director Brig. Gen. Faro Antonio Olaguera yesterday said they may seek assistance of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for the conduct of financial investigation.

Once the cases are filed against those involved in controversy, Olaguera said, “We will also file a request before the AMLC for necessary financial investigation of other personnel involved.”

The Philippine National Police official made the statement after 20 more members of the PNP’s anti-narcotics unit were relieved from their posts due to allegations of involvement in illegal activities.

A total of 117 operatives of the PDEG have been sacked from their posts as of yesterday, according to Olaguera.

Speaking to reporters, Olaguera said the police officers who were kicked out of the PDEG had reports of involvement in nefarious activities aside from the irregular operation in Tondo, Manila in October last year which led to the seizure of 990 kilos of shabu worth P6.7 billion.

“Connected to the other allegations against them. This is ongoing as part of our internal cleansing,” he said.

As part of their measures, Olaguera said the 1,363 officers of the PDEG will undergo retraining and reorientation.

During the refresher course, officials will impart to the personnel of PDEG their function as the PNP’s premier anti-narcotics unit.

Olaguera said it has been more than a year since the PDEG subjected its personnel to retraining.

“We actually lose nothing if every now and then we have a refresher course for our personnel,” he said.