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.