CIDG chief: I’m behind Bart, rumors mere ploy to split PNP

No tempest at the top, only tattles down below.

The head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday said certain quarters were trying to “drive a wedge” between him and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. denied persisting rumors of a rift between him and Bartolome, saying he continued to serve under the latter’s leadership and guidance.

In a statement, Pagdilao assured the public that he, Bartolome and the whole police organization “will not fall for this scheme to rip the PNP apart.”

Bartolome, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1980, is Pagdilao’s underclassman. Rumors of discord between the two, who were the strongest contenders for the top PNP post which eventually went to Bartolome last year, arose following disputes between CIDG teams and other PNP units.

Last week, CIDG men under the National Capital Region traded accusations with the Quezon City Police District over the latter’s arrest of two female convicts, whom the CIDG alleged to be targeted for extortion by a QCPD team.

Earlier, the CIDG in Batangas also figured in a dispute with the local police over allegations of misconduct and lapses in coordination.

“The rift has no basis in truth and in fact,” he stressed.

Without naming names, Pagdilao said “those who want crimes to triumph” were likely the ones who want the PNP divided.

Pagdilao said the CIDG would continue to hunt down wanted persons, dismantle organized crime and go after loose firearms in support of Bartolome’s agenda for the PNP.