MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office will protect local government officials from harassment and violence during the second tranche of the distribution of financial assistance under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), NCRPO chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas said Friday.
“Ang alam naming guidance sa DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) ay kami ay kasama sa pag-se-secure ng pag-implement ng SAP,” Sinas said in an interview on dzBB.
(The DSWD said we are involved in security during the implementation of the SAP)
“Yung mga barangay (officials), may kasamang pulis po ‘yan para di sila madisgrasya or maharass,” he added.
(Barangay officials be secured by police officers and protect them from harassment or harm.)
Sinas said the actual implementation of the distribution of cash aid to constituents is still led by the DSWD and local government units.
“Sa actual implementation, sa pagrelease, sa kanila po yun (LGU, DSWD) kami lang po sa security lang ng area,” he said.
(The actual implementation of the program will be handled by the LGUs and DSWD, we will only handle security in the area.)
Aside from providing security, the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation Detection Group is also leading the investigation of barangay officials allegedly involved in irregularities in the distribution of SAP benefits.
So far, the PNP unit filed criminal complaints against 42 barangay officials.