Probe into RP police chief

Probe into RP police chief

MANILA (AP): President Joseph Estrada accepted on Sunday a request by the national police chief to go on leave pending an investigation into accusations linking him to drug syndicates.

Estrada accepted a similar request by Panfilo Lacson, the chief of a presidential anti-crime police force who was one of several officers behind the accusations against National Police Chief Roberto Lastimoso.

Lacson is being investigated separately over allegations that he illegally tapped the telephones of 300 government officials, church leaders and journalists critical of Estrada's administration.

"This will pave the way for an objective and thorough evaluation of all allegations," said Estrada. He made the announcement shortly before leaving for a four-day visit to Hong Kong.