Retired PNP Police Director dela Paz arrives, apologized for his lapses

Miami
October 21, 2008
Story: Retired PNP Police Director dela Paz arrives, apologized for his lapses

The police officer that was not allowed to go home in the Philippines by the Russian authorities a week ago for bringing cash that exceeds the limit finally arrives at the country and apologizes for what happened.

Retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz, the former PNP Comptroller said that what happened to him is something that one would not wish as it end once career. He retired from service last October 9 while attending the Interpol Assembly.

Dela Paz is one of the eight PNP delegates who attended the 77th Interpol General Assembly held at St. Petersburg in Russia last October 6 to 11.

“I apologize deeply to our people and to our government for untoward incident at the Moscow International Airport that last week touched off an international embarrassment for our country,” he said.

It can be recalled that dela Paz is about to go home with her wife Maria Fe dela Paz and Regional Director for Region 9 Police Director Jaime Caringal when dela Paz was questioned by the Russian authorities because it was seen on their luggage bundles of money.

Dela Paz said that the money is a cash advance that could be used for emergency purposes while they were in Russia and it is subject for liquidation. "As police comptroller and special disbursing officer of the top-level Philippine delegation that attended the international gathering, I took out from my authorized P10-million cash advance bonded authority the amount of P6.93 million, which I converted into 105,000 euros as the standby revolving fund for our official travel," dela Paz said.

He also said that he will not give any excuse on that lapse and have “regret” remising his obligation as a departing visitor in Russia, “inadvertently failing to report to airport police authorities the amount of cash in my possession.”

He said being accosted in a foreign airport upsetting for him. He also emphasize that he should be the one setting an example in abiding rules and regulations whether in the Philippines or abroad.

“I take full responsibility for this lapse that has undeservedly led to a negative public perception of the institution that I hold so dearly,” he added.

Dela Paz insisted that there is nothing illegal and he did not abuse his position. He also said that he has documents to prove that the money was acquired legally and for legitimate purposes.

Dela Paz also clarify the reports that he was detained at Moscow, “We (with Caringal) were treated as officers and they did not treat us adversely.”

With the controversy that he is currently facing, he said that he is willing to face all the investigation that will be conducted to prove that he did not do anything wrong. He is about to submit his liquidation at the PNP accounting and auditing department for proper documentation.