No investigation of the P400-M theft
On Target
by Ramon Tulfo
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
MALACAÑANG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) seem unmindful of the report in this space that P400 million in cash was taken from the vault in the Ampatuan mansion in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.
I learned about the theft of the huge amount from sources in Camp Crame.
As a matter of courtesy, the Philippine National Police (PNP) can’t investigate the theft without a go-signal from the AFP and Malacañang, whose occupant is the AFP and PNP commander in chief.
Malacañang and the AFP probably think that the report can just be brushed aside because the Ampatuans are not complaining.
But the public has the right to know where the money went.
Army soldiers were the first to arrive at the mansion before the police as the province was placed under martial law.
It’s incumbent upon the AFP chief of staff, Gen. Victor Ibrado, to initiate an investigation by asking the PNP to come in.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, for her part, should order an investigation if the military refuses to act on the reported larceny.
But knowing Ms Arroyo, she wouldn’t order an investigation for fear of antagonizing the organization that installed her in power …
Read the full story >> No investigation of the P400-M theft
