Crackdown ordered vs cops using impounded, recovered vehicles

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered a crackdown on police officers using cars and motorcycles seized during law enforcement operations as their personal vehicles.

Año issued the directive after receiving reports that some policemen are using vehicles either impounded or seized in police operations.

Under the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s operating procedures, using recovered stolen or impounded motor vehicles is not allowed and police officers who are caught doing so could face administrative sanctions.

“It’s against the law and sanctions will be applied to all violators,” Año said.

The removal of any part or accessory of the vehicle is also punishable under the rules of the PNP.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, for his part, ordered police commanders to execute an affidavit affirming that nobody among their personnel are using vehicles recovered during police operations.

The affidavits will then be submitted to the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group for verification.

“Administrative charges would be filed against any personnel proven guilty of illegal use of those vehicles, while his or her immediate superior will be also included in the investigation under the doctrine of command responsibility,” Gamboa said.

He also urged citizens to report police officers involved in this malpractice.

Gamboa said there are about 200 vehicles and motorcycles impounded and recovered in police custody based on their initial inventory.