Filtered by: Topstories
News
Ex-PNP officer, wife held in Moscow over euros
(Updated 11:37 p.m.)MANILA, Philippines - A retired Philippine National Police (PNP) official and his wife have been prevented from leaving Moscow until they can present documents that will justify why there were carrying cash beyond the allowable limit of €10,000. In a live interview on QTV’s News on Q on Tuesday, PNP Region 9 chief Director Jaime Caringal, who is also in Moscow, said retired PNP director Eliseo Dela Paz and his wife, Meeah, are in a hotel and "are okay." "Nagkaroon ng kaunting questioning. May pera na more than authorize na dapat i-declare (There was a little questioning. They were carrying more money than authorized that they should have declared)," Caringal said. Dela Paz was the former PNP director for Comptrollership. Caringal said he and the Dela Paz couple were to return home last Saturday, October 11, when the couple was held by Moscow airport officials. PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa's wife, Zeny, was with the party but was allowed to leave. Caringal said Mrs Verzosa is now on her way back to Manila. He said the dela Paz couple could not immediately produce the documents explaining the large amount of money, as it was a weekend at the time. "I'm sure the PNP has an explanation. We are together in a hotel. They (Dela Paz couple) are okay," Caringal said. When asked if Russian authorities treated them well, he said: "We are international delegates. We are general officers. So we were treated very well." But he admitted they might have to stay a while as the documents from the Philippines will still have to be transcribed and translated into Russian. He said the translation of the documents might take until Wednesday at the latest. On the other hand, Caringal said were facing another problem that could prolong their stay: Their visas expired last Saturday. "Humihingi ng extension ang embassy (The Philippine embassy is asking for an extension of the visa)," he said. Caringal and Dela Paz went to Russia for the Interpol 77th General Assembly that was held from October 7 to 10 in St. Petersburg. Other officials that composed the PNP delegation were Deputy Director General Emmanuel Carta, PNP deputy chief for administration; Deputy Director General Ismael Rafanan, PNP deputy chief for operations; Director Romeo Ricardo, PNP director for plans; Director German Doria, PNP chief for human resource and doctrine development; Director Silverio Alarcio, PNP director for operations; and Supt. Elmer Pelobello. The PNP, meanwhile, said it will provide additional details once it receives word from Philippine authorities in Russia regarding the matter. “We are awaiting word from Philippine authorities in Russia. The PNP, though our Foreign Liaison Division, has requested the Department of Foreign Affairs to verify the status of the PNP delegation to Russia," PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said. Asked on why some officers' espouses went with their husbands in Moscow, Bartolome said the wives "traveled on their own personal capacities." "They are invited to attend social functions and fellowship among Interpol ladies that are part of the activities of the Interpol general assembly," Bartolome said. – GMANews.TV
Tags: eliseodelapaz, moscow
More Videos
Most Popular