MANILA—Former leaders of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are voicing concerns following revelations that a former PNP chief might have been on the payroll of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), as disclosed during a recent Senate hearing by a Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) executive.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, during a media interview, expressed the collective anxiety among former PNP chiefs upon learning of these allegations at a Senate hearing chaired by PAGCOR’s senior vice president for security, Raul Villanueva. Villanueva disclosed ongoing investigations into whether a former PNP chief had accepted bribes tied to the dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and illegal POGO operations. Dela Rosa, himself a former PNP chief, indicated that such claims are distressing to former officials who are now retired and were seeking peaceful lives.
The controversy began when Villanueva, at a Senate hearing, pointed to the intelligence community’s efforts to verify reports of corrupt connections between a former PNP chief and the illicit activities of POGOs. Dela Rosa criticized the public airing of unverified claims, suggesting that they should have been substantiated before being presented in such a high-profile forum.
In response to these serious accusations, current PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed a thorough investigation. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) would coordinate with PAGCOR to further investigate the alleged involvement of the former PNP chief in facilitating Guo’s operations or potentially receiving illicit payments.
Amid these unfolding events, several former PNP chiefs, including retired Generals Benjamin Acorda, Rodolfo Azurin, and Oscar Albayalde, have openly denied any involvement with Guo or the POGO schemes. They urged Villanueva to clarify his statements and provide concrete evidence to support the claims. Former senator and PNP chief Panfilo Lacson also commented on the matter, noting the severity of the allegations and calling for exhaustive investigations to bring those involved to justice if the reports are verified.
As the probe continues, the PNP leadership has assured that there will be no exemptions in holding individuals accountable, reflecting a commitment to integrity and justice within the force.