AUTHORITIES are now investigating some village officials and beneficiaries of the government’s social amelioration program (SAP) in Northern Mindanao over the alleged irregularities in the distribution of the cash aid.
Lieutenant Colonel Mardy Hortillosa II, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Northern Mindanao, said cases will be filed against village officials who manipulated the list and unqualified SAP recipients who received the financial assistance.
“Kung tinuod nga naay anomalya sa side sa barangay officials ug sa nagdawat and kung naa ebidensya i-file ang kaso,” Hortillosa said.
(If we find out there is an anomaly on the side of village officials and the recipient, also if there is evidence; we will file a case.)
Hortillosa said village officials may face charges for violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (RA 11469).
He said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is tasked to conduct the probe.
In the region, six cases are being handled - two each in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental and one each in Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City.
Authorities are also looking into 11 individuals involved in the alleged anomalies - three each in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City; three in Misamis Oriental and two in Lanao del Norte.
On the other hand, some eight complainants are being recorded - three each in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental and one each in Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City.