MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Thursday that it is investigating 24 of its former chiefs following allegations that one of them may have assisted the escape of dismissed Mayor Alice Guo and her group.
During a Senate hearing on gambling hubs on Tuesday, Raul Villanueva, Senior Vice President of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), revealed that intelligence reports suggest a former PNP chief might have been involved with Guo.
“We are investigating 24 of our former chief PNP. We are not happy with what he said. Since he is under oath, you have to tell us kasi it affects the whole organization. And remember it’s not the whole organization na PNP alone. It’s peace and order apektado sa sinabi niya,” PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil stated during the Senate discussion on the PNP’s 2025 budget.
General Marbil emphasized that they must investigate all former chiefs unless Villanueva identifies the specific individual involved. He also mentioned that they have not yet received a detailed report from Villanueva, who is a retired army general.
“We are making a letter addressed to General Raul Villanueva to name the names kung sino talaga. Or else you have to clarify sa Senado na wala talaga. Kasi he’s under oath, he has to tell us sino ang pangalan,” Marbil said.
Senator Robin Padilla stressed the need for clarification due to its impact on the police force.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos stated that he has not yet discussed the issue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Hindi ko alam ‘yang about the chief PNP (I don’t know about that chief PNP). Let the PNP chief answer this one about this issue,” Abalos said, referring to General Marbil. “I think they are doing something about this,” he added.
Villanueva had previously clarified that the information was not verified. “May pinag-uusapan sa border immigration, hindi ko lang alam ang exact amount [ng bribe], including PNP official [na involved]. Hindi ko lang ma-confirm,” he said during the Tuesday hearing.