PNP chief warns cops not to use vehicles recovered from police operations

June 4, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday warned all police personnel that they are prohibited to use any recovered, especially confiscated from a buy-bust operation, motorcycles and vehicles.

Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa made this warning after an anti-illegal drugs operative from Pasig City police was arrested.

Police Corporal Steven Mark Pandi was arrested by the PNP- Integrated Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) in Pasig City last Wednesday.

“Aside from the criminal and administrative charges against Pandi, his immediate superior will face an investigation because of command responsibility,” Gamboa said.

Gamboa stressed that under SOP (standard operating procedures) No. 7, no PNP personnel is allowed to use a recovered-stolen or impounded motor vehicle or cause the use by any person prior to the subsequent release of seized motor vehicle to its lawful owner.

 The measure was released on April 12, 2011 under revised procedure in the reporting and disposition of stolen and recovered/impounded motor vehicles.

Even the removal of any part or accessory of the recovered, stolen or impounded motor vehicle is also punishable under this measure.

The PNP's  Policy on Internal Cleansing Program meted out penalties to 3,167 police personnel for various administrative offenses including 946 dismissed from service, 121 demoted in rank, 1,380 suspended, 271 forfeited salary, 365 reprimanded, 28 restricted to quarters, and 56 withheld privileges.  Ella Dionisio/DMS