CIDG sues 6 bgy officials in Bacolod for SAP anomaly

BACOLOD CITY - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Bacolod has filed criminal charges against 11 persons, including six barangay officials, for alleged irregularities in the distribution of the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

Charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019, or the Anti-Graft Corrupt Practices Act; RA 11469, or the Bayanihan Act to Heal; and RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, were filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday.

The respondents were Barangay Mandalagan chairman Arturo Parreno, Kagawads Bernabe Canoy, Aaron Abao, and Michael Medel, as well as the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), a purok president, and five barangay staffs, in relation to the alleged SAP anomaly.

Chief Master Sgt. Ramiro Gocotano, CIDG-Bacolod head, said that five residents of the village lodged their complaint early this month before the CIDG against the respondents.

Gocotano said that the complainants accused the respondents of selecting SAP beneficiaries, who were reportedly their closest relatives, family members, political affiliates, and others who were not qualified to get the cash assistance.

The national government extended a cash aid of P6,000 to beneficiaries identified as the poorest of the poor who were affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Gocotano said that the CIDG found out that the respondents prioritized those who were beneficial to their personal interest which caused the exclusion of the supposed qualified SAP recipients in the village.

Barangay Mandalagan is among the four villages here being investigated by the CIDG in relation to the SAP anomalies.

The named respondents have yet to issue a statement regarding the accusations against them.