Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan on Wednesday warned anew all police officers against using confiscated vehicles and motorcycles, particularly those seized as pieces of evidence in criminal cases.

Cascolan has ordered a nationwide inspection and inventory of all motor vehicles impounded as evidence in cases to prevent its unauthorized use by PNP personnel.

Cascolan, through PNP Director for Operations, Maj. Gen. Alfred Corpuz, ordered the strict implementation of PNP SOP No. 2011-004 on “Revised Procedure in the Reporting and Disposition of Stolen and Recovered /Impounded Motor Vehicle”.

He tapped the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) to lead the nationwide crackdown.

Regional Highway Patrol Units will work with operatives of IMEG to supervise the accounting of all motor vehicles and motorcycles impounded in police camps and stations.

“The said PNP policy strengthens the campaign that prohibits the use of unregistered, recovered, impounded; and stolen motor vehicles and motorcycles or the removal of any parts or accessories of these vehicles by unscrupulous PNP personnel,” Cascolan said in a statement.

Cascolan also instructed PNP unit commanders to conduct surprise camp lockdown to inspect unregistered, recovered, impounded, and stolen vehicles being used by PNP units and personnel.

He also ordered the regional directors to conduct an inventory and of all impounded evidence vehicles in the custody of lower units down the line for inspection by the HPG-IMEG composite teams.

Cascolan also warned police personnel found to be using evidence vehicles of stiff administrative sanctions for “infidelity in the custody of evidence”, while those in possession of undocumented or stolen vehicles will face appropriate criminal charges.

“The PNP internal cleansing program will be put into action without fear or favor. There will be no sacred cows in this drive, whoever is involved, let the ax fall where it may,” Cascolan said. “We owe it to President Rodrigo R. Duterte and the Filipino people that the PNP should take the lead, and lead by example in the national crusade against crime and corruption.” (PNA)