PNP reviewing deals with Cedric Lee

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is reviewing its current and previous contracts with businessman Cedric Lee as part of an investigation of the incident involving comedian Vhong Navarro and model Deniece Cornejo.

In a memorandum signed by Director Francisco Don Montenegro, chief of the Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management, the DIDM directed National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Carmelo Valmoria to review all current and previous contracts with the PNP by Lee.

Montenegro’s memorandum also instructed Valmoria to determine why Lee’s group opted to report the incident to the Southern Police District-DIDM instead of reporting the incident to the Taguig police station.

“The situation has created a negative public perception and gave the impression that the police officer on duty during the time that the incident was recorded in the blotter was likewise in cahoots with the latter (Lee),” the memo stated.

The memorandum specifically instructed the NCRPO chief to submit a comprehensive investigation report to the DIDM Wednesday.

Five policemen were relieved for lapses in the case, wherein the model accused Navarro of raping her while Navarro claimed Lee and several men took turns beating him as part of a setup.

The memo noted that Lee has alleged business links with several high-ranking PNP officials.

Retired police generals – including one implicated in the P34-million helicopter purchase scam – are among the partners of Lee in nearly 20 business ventures, Securities and Exchange Commission records show.