PNP to enforce stricter SALN disclosure among cops

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be stricter this time in its directive to its personnel to submit their statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

As part of the PNP’s efforts to cleanse its ranks, all PNP members will be required to submit their newly accomplished SALNs as the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service (IAS) conducts financial investigation on the 160,000 members of the police force.

“Actually, lahat ho kami ngayon ay nag-susubmit ngayon ng aming SALN (all of us are submitting our SALN). Despite the submission over the years, hiningi ho ngayon ‘yung SALN ko (my SALN was asked to be submitted). Lahat ho kami ay mag-cocomply sa requirement na ito (All of us are complying with this requirement),” Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesperson, said in a press briefing.

Carlos said PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” De la Rosa has received information that some policemen are found to have been living  luxurious lifestyles as they are earning from the illegal drugs trade.

To ensure that police personnel would be truthful in disclosing their properties, Carlos said the PNP is planning to coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to help the IAS in its investigation.

“Mahihingi po natin ‘yung tulong nung ahensya na ‘yan pagdating po sa ginagawang financial investigation (We could ask for AMLC’s help with regard to the financial investigation). May mga pamamaraan ‘yung ating operatiba (The operatives have their means), [theyt] doing  counterintelligence to gather the information,” he said.

Last Monday, 35 PNP officials and members surrendered to De la Rosa after President Rodrigo Duterte identified them as drug protectors along with local chief executives and judges./rga