CIDG to file raps vs cops, firms in choppers mess

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday said it will file next week criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) involved in the choppers mess. "In terms of evidence we have collated unearthed by this committee's investigation, we can actually file already cases not only as far as our own personnel or officers are concerned but also civilians," CIDG chief Police Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said during Thursday's Senate hearing on the PNP choppers controversy. He said that among the civilians that may be charged regarding the issue are Lionair president Archibald Po and Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation (MAPTRA). MAPTRA sold two pre-owned R44 Raven I choppers to the PNP as brand new in 2009. The choppers were supplied to MAPTRA by Lionair, which was supposedly acting on then First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike" Arroyo's orders. On the other hand, Pagdilao said the CIDG will still have to finish its investigation to determine if some PNP personnel should be charged. "We're looking into that," he said, adding that the CIDG found "indications" of conspiracy. PNP chief Raul Bacalzo, however, said that their fact-finding committee had already recommended the filing of charges against 27 PNP officers from the committees on bids and awards, negotiation, inspection, and acceptance. "I would admit that because of this hearing and because of the technical working group now studying the system in the PNP, we admit that there are lapses indeed, flaws, and weaknesses in the system and we have initiated several changes already," he said. "We are further recommending several enhancements in the procurement system in the PNP," he added. The Senate hearing was ongoing as of posting time. — LBG, GMA News