PNP spokesperson questions report on cops-cum-gambling lords

MANILA – Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, a spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), called to question the timing and veracity of a news report that said some police officers are engaged in illicit activities as gambling lords.

In an interview over radio station DZMM on Tuesday, Sindac said that the report could have been an attempt to besmirch the police force, especially after the September 1 EDSA “hulidap” highway robbery-abduction incident involving ten policemen.

Sindac noted that one group of reporters is responsible for the spread of the reports in question.

“Tignan nila yung by-line. Isang grupo na lang ang sumusulat nang ganyan e. Isang group ng mga writer, mga reporter,” he said.

He added, though, that despite his questions as to the report’s accuracy, he will still look into the matter, especially while there is an ongoing hunt for wayward cops within the force.

Sindac added that he will also initiate an investigation into ManilaVice-Mayor Isko Moreno’s allegations that some police officers own trucking companies and that they do not comply with the truck ban.

He noted that these policemen may just be trying to help friends who own trucks, as they are not allowed to maintain another occupation outside of the force.

“Hindi po talaga pwede mag moonlight ang pulis ng ibang hanap-buhay.”

The PNP spokesperson was referring to a report carried by a leading daily on Tuesday, alleging that there are at least 27 policemen on the force running gambling operations.

Due to all the alleged anomalies in the PNP, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue BIR) are looking to carry out a lifestyle check of police personnel and officials, in order to expose corruption in the force.