PNP chief: Not far fetched for BIR kidnappings to be “inside job”

MANILA, Philippines—Police are investigating the kidnapping of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officials as possibly cases of inside jobs because of the involvement of “tipsters” helping kidnappers identify their prey, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.

“There are indications that someone is tipping off” kidnappers about who to take next at the BIR, according to PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde. “I’m not saying it’s true but it’s not far fetched,” he told reporters.

Albayalde was at the National Summit on Crime Prevention at Manila Hotel on Thursday (Aug. 15).

Earlier, Leo dela Fuente suspect in the kidnapping of moneyed BIR officials, was shot dead at a police operation.

READ: Cops gun down suspect in abduction of BIR officials

Albayalde said some former police officers could be involved in the group behind kidnappings that target BIR officials.

“There’s information that the membership of this group is changing,” Albayalde told reporters at the sidelines of the summit. “This is big,” he said. He added that investigation is leading to the involvement of some ex-policemen.

Internal cleansing for BIR officials

Asked about speculation that the kidnappings also involve corrupt revenue district officers, Albayalde said the BIR should cleanse its ranks.

“That’s their concern,” said the PNP chief. “That’s BIR and I think the BIR should look into that,” he said. “If we have internal cleansing (in the PNP) probably the other agencies should also have internal cleansing,” he added./TSB