(CNN Philippines, April 11) — A ranking police official has been allowed to travel overseas to attend an anti-drug meeting after filing a motion saying being present at the event would be in the country’s best interest.
Police Senior Superintendent Eduardo Acierto was granted permission by the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division on April 6. The ruling stated he can leave for Taipei on April 16 but must be back on the 20th.
Acierto is facing a criminal case for graft at the Sandiganbayan, stemming from a gun license delivery contract that was awarded illegally, that is, without public bidding, to WerFast Documentary Agency. He allegedly conspired with other police officials to award the contract to the agency.
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima is the principal accused in the case.
Acierto was officer-in-charge of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group’s (AIDG) Deputy Director for Administration, and holds the same position in the newly-formed PNP Drug Enforcement Group.
In his motion, Acierto said he was invited to participate in an operational meeting with Taiwan Coast Guard from April 17-20, 2017.
He explained it is crucial for him to attend the meeting in light of President Duterte’s drug war.
He added it is necessary for him to attend the meeting to show the country’s cooperation with Taiwan in both countries’ campaign against illegal drugs.
“In the interest of the national campaign against illegal drugs headed by no less than the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo R. Duterte, accused Acierto respectfully requests for permission from this Honorable Court to travel abroad on April 16-20, 2017,” read the motion filed on March 27, 2017.
The Ombudsman dismissed Acierto from service in 2015 after being accused of graft.
Acierto was later cleared of administrative charges related to the graft case and in February 2016, the Court of Appeals ordered him reinstated.
PNP Chief Ronald de la Rosa reassigned him to the AIDG in August last year.
“It is an accepted fact in this case that accused Acierto, as a reinstated officer of the PNP, would be invited to several meetings, symposiums, or seminars in relation to his duties as OIC, DDA, AIDG,” the motion read.
