Manila: Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has announced a nationwide audit of financial records in all regional training units amid allegations that trainees have been compelled to fund their superiors' housing through a rental kickback scheme.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) will lead the review to determine if the alleged scheme is prevalent beyond the Regional Special Training Unit - Cordillera, where the accusation initially arose. Gen. Nartatez emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity within the police force, reassuring trainees and the public that such illegal practices will not be tolerated.
Preliminary investigations have revealed suspicious lease agreements spanning from 2023 to 2025. Despite a rent cap set at PHP3,000, trainees were reportedly coerced into paying an additional PHP600, ostensibly to subsidize their Field Training Officers' accommodations. A PNP Training Service report, dated April 19, 2026, pointed to systemic malpractice affecting batches that graduated in mid-2025.
In response, Nartatez has tasked the Directorate for Education and Training to collaborate with investigative units to build cases against those implicated. He underscored the necessity for transparency in financial dealings, mandating a comprehensive audit of all trainee-related lease agreements. "Dapat transparent at documented ang bawat sentimo (Every cent must be transparent and documented). If you are found guilty of squeezing money from our recruits, you are out of the service immediately," Nartatez declared.
