The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Friday said it has issued subpoenas against ‘certain individuals’ in connection with the investigation into alleged corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
In a message to the Inquirer, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II cited a directive from acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to ‘extend its full cooperation and support’ to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure’s (ICI) probe.
‘In line with its investigative mandate, the Group has issued subpoenas to certain individuals pursuant to its authority under [Republic Act] No. 10973. Other persons concerned may be summoned during the course of the ongoing investigation,’ Morico said.
RA No. 10973 gives the CIDG director the power to issue subpoenas. It also gives the CIDG the authority to file a case for indirect contempt before a regional trial court if a respondent defies the subpoena.
However, when pressed on the matter, Morico declined to identify the individuals they subpoenaed in connection with the ICI investigation.
‘We refrain from providing further information on the matter as investigation is underway. These matters will be better expounded by the ICI,’ the CIDG director explained.
The PNP previously met with the ICI and government agencies in a closed-door command conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City last Nov. 12.
In a statement, the PNP previously said the conference ‘aimed to validate priority ‘ghost projects,’ expand investigation coverage nationwide, and streamline coordination among the inter-agency teams tasked with inspections, documentation and eventual case filings.’
The PNP earlier said its role in the flood control scandal investigation was ‘technical support in the areas of engineering verification, forensic validation and information systems development.’