Police file complaints for irregularities in COVID-19 SAP cash aid

ILOILO CITY—Police have filed graft complaints against five persons, including two social welfare and development employees in Western Visayas, for alleged irregularities in cash aid distribution to families who lost sources of income during the pandemic.

In separate statements, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Western Visayas said it filed complaints for graft and violation of the Bayanihan Heal as One Act against Noli Villarosa, village chief of Tangub in Bacolod City, and village employees Alfredo Llames and Nino Mateo.

The three allegedly collected aid for the family of a dead villager through a donation box placed on the covered court of the village while cash for the social amelioration program (SAP) was being distributed last July 24.

The CIDG regional office said, in its statement, that the three committed a crime by using their positions to solicit or collect part of the financial assistance being distributed to those in need.

An administrative case will also be referred to the Ombudsman.

The CIDG also filed criminal complaints against two Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) employees assigned to Dumangas town in Iloilo province.

Svenina Billones and Jande Arroyo are facing complaints for graft and violation of the Bayanihan Heal as One Act for failing to issue a receipt for cash aid worth P6,000 that was returned by disqualified SAP beneficiaries.

The CIDG said it will also refer to the Ombudsman a separate administrative case against the DSWD employees.

TSB