PNP denies allegation NTF-ELCAC funds were misused

The Philippine National Police on Friday denied the accusation that its anti-communist insurgency funds have been misused.

At a virtual press conference, PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar contended that the police force did not use the NTF-ELCAC funds in the conduct of census in various barangays across the country.

"The PNP is not conducting or instructing our chiefs of police to ask 30% of barangay residents to give their names, contact numbers and addresses for census. We have no use for any census," Eleazar said.

"Everything that is being done by the PNP in relation to the NTF-ELCAC funds is above board, and we welcome any investigation that may be conducted," he added.

Eleazar said police units are conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations as part of the efforts to address communist insurgency in the country.

Also, Eleazar pointed out that the PNP is deepening its relations with different communities nationwide, including advocacy groups.

Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, disclosed that a police general supposedly directed his subordinates to conduct a census in different barangays using the government’s anti-insurgency funds.

Lacson said this supposed activity could be election-related.

Moreover, the senator said the use of NTF-ELCAC funds for other purposes could prompt a thorough review of the task force’s budget. —LBG, GMA News