PNP welcomes EU probe into communist fund diversion

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the decision of the European Union to probe the alleged diversion of EU financial aid to communist rebels.

PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac over the weekend said it is good that the EU would look into allegations that non-government organizations (NGOs) receiving EU cash assistance have been diverting the funds to communist insurgents.

Banac is hopeful that EU officials would eventually discover that the NGOs they are supporting have been duping them.

“This is a positive development. If the financial assistance to the communist terrorists will be cut, it is going to help achieve lasting peace in the country,” Banac said in a radio interview over dwIZ.

The EU said it will conduct a financial audit in April, adding it will take legal action should the allegations be proven true.

Banac said they fully support the government’s pursuit of localized peace talks in far-flung communities.