PNP chief’s accuser cries harassment

MANILA, Philippines - The man who filed a P100-million plunder case against Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima and Firearms and Explosives Office head Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles is allegedly being harassed.

Glenn Gerard Ricafranca of Barangay Capantawan, Legazpi City, through his lawyer Beulah Coeli Fiel, said police officers from the Albay provincial headquarters have been visiting his inn, asking his employees on his whereabouts.

“These police personnel have ranks ranging between (Police Officer 1) and PO2. One of them introduced himself as PO1 Cardinal,” a statement from the complainant’s camp read.

“Since April 22, they have been coming to our client’s office. Based on information that we received, the picture of our client is being circulated among this group of police officers who graduated from criminology three to five years ago,” Fiel said.

She called on the Albay provincial police to explain whether there is a mission order against her client, since “he has not committed any crime and is not a suspect in any crime.”

Ricafranca filed plunder charges against Purisima and Estilles last April 16 for their alleged involvement in a supposedly questionable deal with a private courier service company, WerFast Documentary Agency, three years ago.

“It is causing fear and worry among employees of the inn who have nothing to do with what our client is fighting for in the name of advocacy,” Fiel said.