PNP will not transfer CIDG head despite wife running for Congress in Abra

April 30, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) they will not transfer the head of its criminal investigation group even if his wife is seeking the lone congressional seat in Abra.

Police General Oscar Albayalde, the PNP chief, said in a text message on Tuesday Police Major General Amador Corpus will not be temporarily transferred because he is a professional and aware of the PNP's policy of non-interference.

Albayalde said there are about seven to 10 police criminal investigators in Abra. ''How can he possibly influence the outcome of the election in the province or even in the district where his wife is running with that very small number of personnel?'' he said. 

At least 1,370 police officers related by blood or affinity to candidates were reassigned to other areas.

The Criminal Detection and Investigation Group (CIDG) on Tuesday said they will remain neutral in the May midterm elections.

This after Abra Congressman Joseph Bernos claimed a large number of CIDG personnel are closely watching them.

“Considering that the incident involved violent armed conflict between political rivals, CIDG-Abra Provincial Field Unit supported the local police in the investigation of the case,” Corpus said in a statement.

“At that instance, the Group categorically denies that Team CIDG is involved in political partisan and protecting candidates for the MTEs (midterm elections).  The incident in Abra is a regular police operation and within the bounds of legally prescribed authority,” he said.

Bernos, seeking re-election, is up against Corpus wife, Victoria Seares Corpus.

PNP spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac said their oversight committee is evaluating the incident. DMS/Ella Dionisio