GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) warned its personnel anew of stiff sanctions if they are found to be involved in any illegal investment activity.
Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, PRO-12 director, issued the warning in the wake of reports on the continuing proliferation of Ponzi-like investment schemes in the city and its neighboring areas.
Corpus directed all police personnel in the region not to get involved in any way, especially by acting as agents and protectors, into these illegal activities, which are the subject of a continuing crackdown by the national government.
“Any police officer or personnel who will violate this directive will be answerable to me,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Corpus said the directive, which was officially released through a memorandum dated September 27, was already relayed down to the precinct level.
The police official issued the directive after an active police non-commissioned officer assigned at the city police office admitted to being an agent of an investment scheme dubbed Forever Trading.
The company is reportedly soliciting investments from the public for a monthly interest payout of at least 30 percent and a chance to own a brand-new vehicle after six months.
Cpl. Aileen Faith Matulac Alipoyo made the admission in a public hearing at the City Council last week regarding the rampant illegal investment schemes in the city.
Alipoyo has already been relieved from her post at the women and children’s protection desk of the Lagao police station and has been assigned to the personnel holding and accounting unit of the city police office, pending the ongoing investigation.
This reporter tried to get the side of the police officer but was told that the latter was unable to speak without her lawyer’s approval.
The city police office was caught up early this year in a controversial multi-billion investment, which victimized thousands of police personnel and residents in the city and the neighboring areas.
Three police officials were relieved from their posts in March and eventually charged before the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the Ponzi-like investment scheme, dubbed Pulis Paluwagan Movement.
At least 13 other police non-commissioned officers previously assigned at the city police were also relieved in connection with the scam. (PNA)
