Nothing irregular in P7.7M of retired cop in Moscow - DILG chief

MANILA, Philippines – There is nothing irregular in the €120,000, or about P7.7 million, that recently retired police official Eliseo dela Paz was carrying while in an official visit to Moscow, Interior and Local Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Wednesday. In her report in QTV’s Balitanghali, Marisol Abdurahman quoted Puno as saying that the money Dela Paz was carrying was from the PNP’s “official fund” and that it was “legal and documented.” Dela Paz, along with wife Meeah, was prevented from leaving Moscow on October 11 after Russian airport authorities found them in possession of cash more than the €10,000 currency limit. Dela Paz is a former Director for Comptrollership of the PNP. The report also quoted Puno as saying that Dela Paz was carrying the funds because he was the assigned disbursement officer of the PNP’s eight-man delegation to the Interpol 77th General Assembly, which was held from October 7 to 10 in St. Petersburg. In an interview with radio dzRH, Puno said the money will be subject to liquidation. "That was a cash advance which is for liquidation. Pag balik nila (when he returns) that amount will be liquidated," he said. Puno also denied reports that Dela Paz will use the money to purchase a house in Europe, saying the retired officer had intentions to declare the funds. - with Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV