THE PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group yesterday said it has subpoenaed three of five persons of interest in the forgery of the appointment of lawyer Abraham Espejo Jr as Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioner.
In a statement, the CIDG said the subpoenas were sent last Friday to the known addresses of the individuals, who it did not identify pending further investigation.
It said the addresses of the two other individuals were still being ascertained.
“We seek the cooperation and full support of the three initially identified who have received the subpoena and hope their response to the invitation this week will help us uncover the truth through the information that they will be providing,” said CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee.
“Likewise, all pieces of information will be subject to further evaluation and validation,” added Lee.
Lee reiterated his appeal to people who may have knowledge about the forged document to come out in the open and help in the ongoing probe.
“This incident is serious and through investigation will continue to solve this brazen act,” said Lee.
President Marcos Jr has ordered the CIDG and the NBI to look into the issuance of the forged presidential appointment of Espejo as BI commissioner. The supposed appointment paper was dated July 22.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles has said the President did not issue such order and warned that forging the government’s seal, the President’s signature and stamp in any document is a crime.
Angeles said Article 161 of the Revised Penal Code states that the forging of the government seal and the signature and stamp of the President carries a penalty of reclusion temporal or 12 to 20 years imprisonment.
Lt. Gen. Jose Chiquito Malayo, PNP deputy chief for administration, said the CIDG probe is continuing but would not give update.
