Ex-cop who claimed to deliver money to Duterte a Velasco staffer – PNP

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that dismissed patrolman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. had previously served as a security detail for former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

“He (Gracioso) had been detailed as a security or staff of former speaker Velasco,” Nartatez said during an ambush interview prior to a turnover ceremony on Monday.

Vice President Sara Duterte earlier denied knowing Gracioso Jr., who was reportedly a former security officer of Velasco and allegedly delivered cash to her and members of her family.

Article continues after this advertisement

Duterte denied the claims after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it was investigating Gracioso’s allegation that he delivered suitcases of money to some members of the Duterte family allegedly upon Velasco’s instructions.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Sara Duterte denies receiving money from Velasco’s ex-aide

“Gracioso had been investigated in an administrative case, and there is a corresponding criminal case filed against him, but that was long before. I think it’s a case in year 2022 or 2021,” he added.

Nartatez said the administrative case was finally resolved, resulting in his dismissal from the service this month.

“We will study it (Gracioso’s background), we will undergo the rigorous procedures of investigation,” said Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla in an ambush interview.

“We will take all of his statements with all seriousness, so we can determine the truth,” Remulla added in English and Filipino. /gsg