Ex-lawmaker surrenders in GenSan amid arrest warrant for graft, malversation cases —PNP

A former member of the House of Representatives has surrendered in General Santos City after the Sandiganbayan issued four arrest warrants against him over alleged graft and malversation of public funds, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Monday evening, the PNP said the former lawmaker, identified only as alias “Boss,” surrendered on Sunday along Mabuhay Road in Barangay San Isidro.

The surrender was facilitated by the Lebak Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office and General Santos City Police Office.

The four arrest warrants were issued in connection with alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as the Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes malversation of public funds.

According to the PNP, the former lawmaker was informed of the nature and cause of the warrants as well as his rights.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police personnel have a responsibility to implement court orders regardless of a person's identity or former position.

“Ang batas ay may proseso, at tungkulin nating tiyakin na nasusunod ito nang maayos. Hindi natin tinitingnan kung sino ang isang tao o kung ano ang naging posisyon niya noon,” he said.

(The law has a process, and it is our duty to ensure that it is followed properly. We do not look at who a person is or what their position was in the past.)

“What matters is that we carry out our duty fairly, professionally, and with full respect for everyone's rights,” he added. —KG, GMA News