PNP defends 11 cops' Munich trip

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday there was nothing wrong or illegal with the trip of 11 police officials, including Deputy Director General Geary Barias, to Munich, Germany two months ago.

The PNP said the trip was upon the invitation of retired general Horacio Lactao, security chief of the House of Representatives, who was the head of the delegation.

Earlier, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, chairman of the House Committee on Public Information, said Barias’ group should explain the trip and prove that it was not paid for by PNP suppliers or contractors because that would be tantamount to asking favors.

Abante said government officials are prohibited from accepting favors from anyone because that would be questionable.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said the trip was for the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the police units that have jurisdiction over the House of Representatives complex in Quezon City.

Bartolome said “proper documentation was made for the trip, there was nothing wrong because the trip was properly documented.”

He also said the PNP did not shoulder the expenses of Barias’ group.

Barias said the trip was covered by a travel authority.

“We have nothing to do with any purchasing of equipment as we did not buy anything during the trip. There was no PNP fund involved,” said Barias. – Cecille Suerte Felipe