Top PNP officials involved in purchase of pre-owned choppers—Lacson

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson claimed on Monday that top Philippine National Police officials were involved in purchasing three new helicopters for the Special Action Force back in 2009, two of which were found to be have been previously used.

In his second visit to the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame this year, Lacson said that the two Robinson R44 Raven I helicopters which were declared as brand new have actually been used five years prior to the purchase.

The helicopters, bought at P105 million, are only valued at P16 to P17 million as of January this year. The used helicopters only valued at P5 million each back in 2004, Lacson stated.

The senator did not name the officials allegedly involved.

The case was already lined up at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Lacson said.