The Philippine National Police (PNP), welcomed the conduct of lifestyle check on its personnel amid allegations on the existence of “ninja cops” or police officers who recycle illegal drugs confiscated during operations.

PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, said the PNP personnel undergo yearly lifestyle check in accordance with Republic Act 3019 or the “Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices”, and Republic Act 6713 or the “Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”.

He said the lifestyle check is being conducted by the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP.

“Every March 31, ang lahat ng PNP personnel ay mandato na magsumite ng kanilang Annual Statement of Asset Liabilities (and Net Worth). (Yan) ang magiging basehan ng ating Internal Affairs Service upang tignan (kung may) paglabag sa mga umiiral na batas, (all PNP personnel are mandated to submit their SALN. That document will be the basis of IAS whether a policeman committed illegal activities),” Banac told reporters.

Malacañang earlier said it was in favor of conducting lifestyle checks among PNP personnel.

“There should be an internal lifestyle check among the PNP members, and for that matter, all heads of department,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a TV interview on Monday.

Banac said the PNP is ready to provide documents if needed during the conduct of the lifestyle check.

But so far, no PNP personnel seem to have violated the law.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong nakikita o wala pang ulat na may lumalabag sa umiiral na batas. Subalit kung may ulat tayo matatanggap o reklamo diumano ay labis ang lifestyle ng isang pulis, nakahanda po ang PNP (na) imbestigahan ang mga ulat ng ating IAS (As of now, we have not received any complaint of a police employee having lavish lifestyle, but if we do, we will investigate the matter) ,” he explained.

“Maging sinuman opisyal ng PNP sumasailalim sa annual lifestyle check na isinasagawa ng Internal Affairs Service (Every PNP personnel will undergo lifestyle check),” he added. (PNA)