PRO 11 bares agency probe on investments schemes
The Police Regional Office 11 is serious in stopping the proliferation of different illegal investment schemes in the region.
This was made clear by PRO XI Director General Marcelo Morales on Wednesday, during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing in the city.
“Ang PRO XI ay nagpatawag po ng series of conferences”, Morales said. Of those discussed is the creation of an inter-agency task force, he said, that would help them look into these businesses and personalities involved.
Morales added, “I have instructed to conduct an investigation on these different investment schemes na nag-ooperate within their respective area of responsibility”.
Further, he said that the chief of police, though the different provincial directors, needs to be in close coordination with their respective local government units and agencies that regulate the same.
“Kung mag-apply ng business permit, dapat complete ang supporting documents”, Morales emphasized.
He further added that those personalities involved in the business should possess the capability to handle an investment business or, he said, has background in investment or banking and finance activity.
The police is limited in imposing actions agianst these invidividuals and businesses.
“We are limited in imposing certain preventive actions becasue there are no complainant yet”, Morales explained.
No warrant of arrest has been issued in so far as complainants are concerned.
Nonetheless, Morales was very stern — “Check the personalities involved if they have a previous similar activity”.
This, according to him, will help them enforce the law and put a stop to the proliferation of these different illegal schemes.
Based on initial investigations by various government agencies, there are personalities who were able to hide through the application of a different business.
“This shows inconsistency sa business permit and actual activity nila”, Morales said. “And this should be looked into.”
Morales said he has issued a thorough warning against all personnel of the Philippine National Police.
“I discourage all PNP personnel to be involved”, he said. Either as an investor or a member, Morales stressed PNP personnel should not be involved.
The Director emphasized that when a PNP personnel is caught involved, he will be answerable outright.
“They will be charged administratively. Charged in violation of ethical standards and subordination sa regulation ng PNP”, he said.
In cases wherein the PNP personnel is the victim of such an untoward scheme, Morales sternly said that they cannot avail of any support from the PRO.
“In the first place, pinabawalan na silang sumali. They cannot, in any way, use their position to take advantage of the situation”, he said.
Morales further warned that the preemptive action is only trying to prevent the emergence of crimes when these investment schemes collapses.
In the Davao Region, police have identified about ten (10) operating companies offering investment schemes to the general public.
“We are in constant monitoring — based on evidence and facts gathered. For now, what we can do, is be at the frontline and protect the people from these illegal activities”, Morales said.
