PNP submits to lifestyle checks

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday the 150,000-strong police force is willing to undergo lifestyle checks.

 

In a statement from its public information office, the PNP said it "will adhere with the decision of our national leaders in conducting a top-to-bottonm lifestyle check among all personnel."

 

"This serves as an opportunity to protect the good name of the organization in eliminating suspicions and speculations of alleged ill-gotten wealth or involvement in criminal activities," the PNP said in its statement.

 

The PNP Internal Affairs Service and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) are already crafting procedures to ensure objectivity of the lifestyle checks, the police force added.

 

On Thursday, Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares said Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima will be the first ones to undergo lifestyle checks.

Roxas has supervision over the PNP.

 

The lifestyle checks will be conducted after some police officers were tagged in a brazen kidnapping and extortion incident along EDSA, which involved some P2 million.

 

Some of the policemen linked to the crime resorted to illegal activities to sustain their lavish lifestyles, former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency head and retired general Dionisio Santiago said. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News