Female cop claims innocence

CEBU, Philippines - The policewoman accused of embezzling disaster funds said she can provide all the necessary documents to prove that she is innocent.

The female police officer, who is assigned to the Regional Police Community Relations-7, appeared before the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division-7 yesterday morning to answer the allegations before her superiors.

“According to her, she has all the documents and she’s willing to present all the documents as soon as she will be called for an investigation, documents kung unsa’y nadawat niya and where did it go,” said RIDMD chief Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas.

Lawas hinted that there are indications that other persons might be involved in the misuse of the donated cash, which they are now further investigating.

“Somewhere along the way, based on initial information, naa’y cash that cannot be traced,” he said, adding that, “Kung kinsa ma’y responsible persons, let the axe fall on them. Tan-awn gyud nato kung unsay nahitabo.”

According to Lawas, they are now on the process of gathering evidence. Once evidence is established, a pre-charge evaluation among involved police officers will follow.

“Kini, preliminary investigation pa ‘ni. Kung naa’y ebidensya, naa’y kasaypanan nga makita nato, that’s the time that we will go to the pre-charge evaluation,” the police official said.

The policewoman may face dismissal from the service for gross dishonesty or gross misconduct if she is found guilty of the accusation.

The investigation stemmed from information sent by an anonymous texter to the PNP Hotline 2920 in Camp Crame. The information was then forwarded to Police Regional Office-7.

According to the text message, a policewoman embezzled funds intended for earthquake and typhoon Yolanda victims.

Another anonymous texter sent a message to the police indicating the specific amount the police officer allegedly received. — (FREEMAN)