PNP put in a bind by SAF whistle-blower

Senior Supt. Rafael Santiago seems to have put the Philippine National Police in a bind.

After his explosive revelations about his team’s involvement in stealing election returns, the PNP offered to place Santiago under protective custody—then threatened to drop him from the rolls if he failed to report at Camp Crame.

Also, the PNP said it would not condone police officers “following illegal orders,” but, on the other hand, would support those who came out to expose past election irregularities.

“It must be understood that Senior Superintendent Santiago’s actions are purely personal in nature and were done on his own volition,” said PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr.

He said Santiago, recently assigned to the PNP Directorate for Operations after his relief as Zambales provincial director in July, was now considered absent without leave and should report to his superiors soon.

“Under the rules, after he’s declared Awol, we will locate him at his last known address and, after 30 days, he would be dropped from the rolls,” Cruz told reporters.

He said Santiago had not been in touch with his superiors since July 7 when he was supposed to have assumed his new post in Camp Crame.

But at the same time, Cruz said the PNP was prepared to provide security to Santiago and other police officers “who have come out with evidence of alleged election fraud.”

Cruz stressed the PNP would not condone officers’ involvement in electoral fraud.