MANILA, Philippines - A policeman was relieved from his post and is under investigation after a civilian, purportedly his son, announced on Facebook last Friday that he received two gas slips meant for the Philippine National Police (PNP).
A photo posted on the civilian’s Facebook page showing the gas slips has gone viral. Each slip entitled the bearer to 10 liters of fuel.
The caption on the photo read “Gas supply in PH… Thanks Pa.”
PNP Internal Affairs Service chief Director Alexander Roldan said yesterday the policeman, whose name was withheld pending investigation, was assigned as a supply officer of the IAS.
The police officer, who has been with the PNP for 30 years, holds the rank of Senior Police Officer 4.
PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the policeman will have to explain how the gas slips from his office ended up in the hands of a civilian.
“The IAS chief has ordered an investigation into the matter. He has talked to the policeman concerned,” Cerbo said.
The civilian’s Facebook post generated mixed reactions – some netizens said it was a misuse of government funds while others defended the gas slips as among the benefits given to police officers.
Cerbo said gas slips are issued to PNP units and are supposed to be only for government vehicles.
Reports have it that some civilians also get gas slips from police officers.
The policeman faces the criminal charge of misappropriation of funds and grave misconduct as an administrative case.
Cerbo said the PNP is still checking whether the gas slips have been used at the PNP Central Gas Station in Camp Crame.
He said though the police officer was assigned in IAS, which handles the investigation of erring police officers, the unit will handle the case.
“They are professionals, they can cleanse their ranks,” Cerbo said.