The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation into 24 former PNP chiefs to determine if any of them received monthly payoffs from operations linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
This was confirmed by PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil during a Senate hearing on the proposed budget for the agency.
Marbil expressed concern over the allegations made by PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Security, Retired General Raul Villanueva, during the Senate Committee on Women and Children hearing, where he testified under oath.
Marbil stressed that Villanueva’s statements need clarification as they affect not only the integrity of the entire police force but also the peace and order within the organization.
While no formal reports have been received from Villanueva yet, the PNP plans to write to him, requesting either the identification of the implicated PNP chiefs or a clear statement that no one is involved.
Meanwhile, in an ambush interview, Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said he had no knowledge of the allegations raised by Villanueva.
Abalos also confirmed that he had not yet discussed the issue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Nonetheless, Abalos emphasized his desire to know which PNP chief Villanueva was referring to as receiving payoffs from POGO operations.