9 Zambo del Sur cops relieved over investment scam

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine National Police on Tuesday ordered the administrative relief of its nine intelligence operatives for their alleged involvement in the P244-million investment scam which victimized hundreds of individuals in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, PNP director in Zamboanga Peninsula, said the sacked members of the Zamboanga del Sur police office also failed to comply with his order to look into reports that some policemen were seen “escorting” officials of Aman Ventures Inc., the company behind the multimillion-peso racket.

Among those relieved from their post was Supt. Kenneth Huelva Mission, Pagadian City police chief, who was tasked by Estilles to lead the investigation into the double-your-money scam.

“However, it took time for (Mission) and his men to conduct such investigation thus defying (my) order… for the immediate action on the said matter,” Estilles said in a statement.

“My order is clear. I do not tolerate any anomalies under my command. I relieved Superintendent Mission for failure to render report about the existing problem in Pagadian City,” he added.

He also warned other policemen under his command that they may face administrative cases if they would be found to be engaged in the investment scam and other illegal activities.

The police official said PNP members involved in any wrongdoing should attend a re-training program in Camp Abendan in Pagadian before they could be given new assignments.