PNP sacks head of Bids and Awards Committee

MANILA, Philippines – The head of the Philippine National Police’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) has been relieved from his post after he was implicated on the anomalous purchase of used helicopters.

Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame on Friday, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that Director for Logistics George Piano no longer holds the chairmanship over the BAC, which is tasked to oversee the procurement processes of the PNP.

Piano has been replaced by Logistics Deputy Director Chief Superintendent Felipe Rojas, Cruz said. He however clarified that Piano remains as the head of the Directorate of Logistics.

Cruz further said that aside from Piano, other officers involved in the questionable transaction were also relieved from their positions.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is presently investigating the PNP’s purchase of two Robinson R44 helicopters which were passed off as brand new when they were sold to the police force in 2009.