Acorda denies links to illegal POGOs and asserts innocence

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Benjamin Acorda issued a statement on Wednesday, asserting his innocence amid allegations of involvement in illegal POGO hubs and the escape of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo.

Yang is suspected of illegal activities and was arrested last week for being an undesirable alien. He identified one of the men in the photo as Acorda, who was serving as regional police chief in Northern Mindanao at the time.

Acorda emphasized during a phone interview that he ordered the operation that led to the discovery of the illegal POGO in Bamban and denied receiving money from Yang or helping Alice Guo leave the country.

He clarified that while photos were shown during Senate hearings, they do not prove any involvement in illegal activities. Acorda stated that he neither tolerated nor transacted illegally with his acquaintances.

Acorda told reporters on Wednesday that pictures linking him to illegal operations are misleading and do not reflect his actions or integrity. He denied any transactional ties with Yang or Guo.

The former PNP chief noted the Senate inquiry's findings lacked substantial evidence, emphasizing he maintained a clean record throughout his 37-year career.