A HIGH-RANKING police official urged the public to report officers who seem to spend beyond their means.
Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr., the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, said the neighbors of the police officer will notice his or her lifestyle.
“Ang publiko man gyod nakakita mismo, labi na ang kasilinganan (The public will be able to observe, particularly the neighbors of these police officers),” he said.
In 2015, the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of PRO 7 received anonymous text messages about policemen being engaged in the illegal drug trade and gambling, RIDMD 7 Chief Supt. Henry Biñas said.
His team looked into the background of two police officers who were accused of protecting drug personalities.
One of them reportedly owns properties, but upon checking, Biñas said, these were not registered under the officer’s name.
The other was said to own several expensive vehicles, but records at the Land Transportation Office showed otherwise.
Biñas said it would still be difficult to prosecute the officers unless complaints are filed against them and witnesses come out to testify.
This year so far, Biñas said, they have not received reports about policemen who lead luxurious lifestyles.
Comendador said a “lifestyle check” will help determine the source of an officer’s wealth.
The Office of the Ombudsman is also inspecting an officer’s manner of living.
Incoming Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa is considering the conduct of a lifestyle check among the officers to identify and remove those who are engaged in illegal activities.
“Perhaps it will be better that we do a lifestyle check so we will see how the police officers earn their living. Does it come from an illegal source?” said Comendador.
He said they will verify the source of an officer’s income.
Among the first police officers who will be investigated, Comendador said, is a non-commissioned officer in northern Cebu who reportedly has a mansion.
The inquiry will start after a complaint is lodged before the PRO 7.
Dela Rosa said in a national daily that there is no need to conduct a lifestyle check on the three generals who reportedly have links with drug lords.
The police official said, though, that he will talk with the officials and give them due process.