Use Of Seized PNP Rubber Boats

Upon President Benigno S. Aquino III’s request, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has allowed the use of 75 rubber boats for relief efforts being conducted by the government on victims affected by floods due to heavy rains brought about by South-west monsoon.

President Aquino, in a press conference after presiding over a Cabinet meeting at the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday, said that Morales had agreed to let the government use said boats even after these had been confiscated by the Ombudsman due to questions raised over their acquisition.

The rubber boats, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) purchased for P131.5 million in 2009, were confiscated after Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo questioned their acquisition.

The boats, together with 93 outboard motors, were found to be incompatible with the needs of the PNP and were thus deemed unusable. (PNA)