PNP warns against swindlers using top cops' names

Police officials warned the public anew against impersonators, swindlers and con artists soliciting funds purportedly on behalf of ranking police officers.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said “the law prohibits PNP members from engaging in any form of solicitation for whatever purpose.”

Director German Doria, Director for Police Community Relations (DPCR) issued the warning in the wake of reports that some individuals had been dropping his name to solicit money from private businessmen in Dagupan City purportedly for the medical expenses of a retired policeman afflicted with cancer.

Reports of a similar modus operandi were also monitored in Samar, where the syndicate uses the name of Metro Manila police chief Director Leopoldo Bataoil.

“Any PNP member who will solicit gifts or monetary consideration will be dealt with according to existing rules,” Bartolome said.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa warned yesterday all the 125,000 members of the police force against any form of solicitation activities during Christmas season.

He encouraged the public to report to TXT PNP 2920 all extortion and other illegal activities of erring police officers.

Verzosa directed policemen to concentrate on fighting street crimes during the holidays, during which the PNP records a rise in robberies and other crimes as many people usually have money from their year-end bonuses.