Napolcom pursues probe of PNP scam

National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairman Rogelio Pureza has ordered the agency’s investigation division to pursue "to its logical conclusion" the investigation into the P1.8-billion ghost salary scam at the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a statement, Pureza said there is mounting evidence that an alleged syndicate involving certain PNP and Land Bank of the Philippines officials, were apparently involved in the anomaly.

Pureza, meanwhile, criticized police personnel, who have remained anonymous, who have questioned his memorandum chiding PNP chief Director General Leandro Mendoza for bypassing the Napolcom in recommending to the President the designation of key PNP officials nationwide.

Pureza said Sen. Aquilino Pimentel has also taken Mendoza to task for "this serious error."

Citing reports, Pureza said the Senate committee on national defense and security will investigate the matter.

Pimentel is one of the authors of Republic Act 6975 which implemented the constitutional mandate of Napolcom’s administration and control over the PNP.

Pureza said the law is clear that PNP recommendations to the President have to be reviewed by the Napolcom en banc.

He added that the law expressly designates the Napolcom vice chairman as its executive officer and that his memorandum to Mendoza was well within his duties.