Verzosa told to answer raps on boat deal

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the  Ombuds-man has ordered former Philippine National Police chief Jesus Verzosa to answer the graft charges filed against him in connection with the allegedly ano-malous purchase of rubber boats and outboard motors for the PNP in 2009.

A special panel created by Ombudsman Con-chita Carpio Morales last month was given 60 days to finish its preliminary investigation, which will determine if he and around 20 other PNP officials should be indicted before the Sandi-ganbayan.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed graft and falsification complaints against Verzosa alleging that the rubber boats bought from Zodiac FC 470 Futura Commando were technically incompatible with the 60-horsepower engines supplied by Enviro Aire.

PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Director General Benjamin Belar-mino Jr., retired Deputy Director General Jefferson Soriano, Director Luizo Ticman, retired Director Romeo Hilomen, Director George Piano, and Chief Superintendent Herold Ubalde were also named respondents to the case.

Apart from the rubber boat scam, Verzosa is also being probed for his role in the allegedly anomalous purchase in 2009 of second-hand helicopters that were passed off as brand new.