Junior cops dismayed over 'Moscow scandal' - report

MANILA, Philippines - Many junior policemen in Metro Manila are dismayed over the P6.9-million "Moscow scandal" involving former Philippine National Police comptroller Eliseo dela Paz in Russia. Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that in eastern Metro Manila, many younger police officers said they were disappointed on why the PNP entrusted nearly P7 million to a retiring officer. The report said the policemen, with ranks of PO1 to PO3, questioned why the PNP hierarchy had dela Paz bring out such a big amount without declaring it at the airport. On the other hand, they said it was puzzling why the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) allowed dela Paz to bring out such a big amount. Dela Paz and his wife were held at the Moscow airport last Saturday after airport authorities found the big amount of money. Dela Paz was part of a PNP contingent to the International Police Organization (Interpol) meeting in Russia. Meanwhile, militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) dared PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa to face the music and assure the public about the scandal. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that the group said it was dismaying to know that some police officials figured in such a big mess in a "junket." The group also questioned the big "contingency" fund of the PNP at a time when Filipinos face hard times because of the global financial crisis. - GMANews.TV