EU to probe alleged diversion of funds to CPP-NPA

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union (EU) said on Saturday it would probe the accusation of the Philippine government that EU funds were funneled from a nongovernment organization to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Responding to the allegations put forward by the Philippine Government in January against a specific Philippine NGO, the EU conducted an audit of the funds from the EU that allegedly were funnelled from that NGO to the NPA or the CPP, but has so far not been able to verify the allegations,” EU said in a statement.

The EU said it would investigate the allegation by reviewing and evaluating documents related to the funds.

“On 28 March, the EU received a set of documents concerning the more specific allegations by the Government. The EU now will verify and evaluate these documents. A financial audit by an external company is due to be conducted in April,” read the statement.

According to the EU, the NGO, which was not named, “is fully registered and continues to operate legally in the Philippines.”

“During the meeting, the EU declared that it stands ready to receive precise information that would enable it to further evaluate and verify the allegations. Should the allegations be established, the EU immediately would take full legal action,” the EU said. /atm