2008-10-15 14:05:33 - MANILA. PNP awaits Moscow clearance to bring back travel fund - breached Russia's currency laws

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said no member of the eight-man police delegation sent to Moscow on official mission last week was arrested or detained, contrary to published reports.

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PNP Spokesman, Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome explained that one member of the delegation, Police Director Eliseo Dela Paz, had to remain in Moscow pending the transmittal of official documents from the Philippines as required by authorities after he apparently overlooked Russian customs procedures.

"Let me make it clear that no member of the PNP delegation has been arrested or detained. Director Dela Paz is now staying in a hotel in Moscow near the Philippine Embassy and is awaiting the official documents that will be translated into Russian language and forwarded

to the customs authorities," Bartolome told media in a news conference.

Another member of the PNP delegation, Police Director Jaime Caringal, PNP Region 9 Director, has stayed behind to assist Dela Paz in complying with the administrative requirements. The other members of the PNP delegation have left Russia.

Both officials are traveling with their respective spouses also invited to attend social and fellowship functions that are part of the activities of the 77th General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

Russian customs authorities have put on hold the 105,000 Euros contingency fund of the PNP delegation, and as disbursing officer of the delegation, Dela Paz is accountable for the amount subject to liquidation and audit procedures of the PNP, Bartolome said.

"Before the delegation left to attend the 77th Interpol General Assembly in Russia, Dela Paz signed for a cash advance in the amount of P6.9-million as contingency fund which is intended to support other activities and incidental expenses of the group during their stay in Russia," Bartolome said.

He said "all unused funds have to be returned, and all expenses must be properly liquidated in accordance with government accounting and auditing procedures."