Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered a thorough investigation into the attempted sale of P15.5 million worth of relief goods bearing the logo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), underscoring the PNP’s commitment to dismantling the entire network behind the illegal trade.
The illicit activity was exposed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after its two-day sting in Manila that began on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Nartatez expressed belief that the scheme was not the handiwork of a lone individual.
The suspect, who was arrested during the operation, now faces charges for violating Section 19(e) (Selling of Relief Goods) of Republic Act 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and Article 179 (Illegal Use of Insignia) of the Revised Penal Code.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we are pursuing leads that point to the possible involvement of other individuals. This is not the work of just one person and we are determined to uncover the entire network behind this illegal trade,” said Nartatez.
“Rest assured, those who conspired to profit from relief goods intended for our people will be held accountable,” he added.
During the operation in a warehouse in Tondo, CIDG operatives confiscated 6,000 boxes of DSWD Family Kits with “Not for Sale,” markings.
As part of the directive, the CIDG has been tasked to trace the entire supply chain of the seized relief goods: from their point of origin to their illegal resale in the black market.
Nartatez said the investigation seeks to identify not just small-time operators but also larger syndicates and possible insiders who may have facilitated the diversion of government property for personal gain.
He emphasized the PNP’s strong resolve to root out corruption and profiteering, particularly in programs meant to serve the most vulnerable sectors during times of calamity and crisis.
“The PNP is working closely with the DSWD to strengthen monitoring, auditing, and tracking systems for the distribution of relief goods. We will also enhance intelligence sharing and joint operations to quickly identify and stop any attempts to divert supplies,” he said. (Aaron Recuenco)
