Ombudsman forms team to probe PNP boat purchases

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales created yesterday a team of lawyers to conduct a preliminary investigation into the alleged anomalous purchase of P131.5 million worth of robber boats and boat engines by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2009.

Sources told The STAR that the special panel is composed of six lawyers headed by Director Diosdado Calonge of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The team will look into the complaint filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) against former PNP chief Jesus Versoza and 20 other police officers and private individuals last month.

The team was also tasked to coordinate with the Commission on Audit in relation to the agency’s fraud audit report on the transaction.

Morales gave the team 60 days to finish its investigation and submit its recommendation.

The CIDG filed graft and falsification complaints on Oct. 6, claiming the 2009 purchase of 75 police rubber boats and 18 spare outboard motors for the PNP Maritime Group was anomalous.

Aside from Verzosa, PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino Jr., retired deputy director general Jefferson Soriano, Director Luizo Ticman, retired director Romeo Hilomen, Director George Piano, and Chief Superintendent Herold Ubalde were named respondents of the case.

Chief Superintendent Luis Saligumba, Senior Superintendent Job Nolan Antonio, Superintendent Edgar Pataan, Superintendent Joel Garcia, Superintendent Ermiliando Villafuerte, Superintendent Roman Loreto, Superintendent Henry Duque, Chief Inspector Ronald Lee, and SPO3 Maria Linda Padojinog were also tagged in the alleged anomalous boat purchases.