PNP serious in regaining “old glory”

CEBU, Philippines - Counter-intelligence operations against cops suspected to be involved in illegal activities, especially drugs, is how the Philippine National Police is cleaning its ranks.

Senior Supt. Edward Carranza, chief of staff of the Police Regional Office 7 Regional Directorial Staff, said Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina is following the advice of former senator Panfilo Lacson to regain the PNP’s “old glory”.

Earlier, Lacson, himself a former PNP chief, said cleaning the PNP’s ranks is an opportunity for Espina “who has a fresh mandate to show leadership by example.”

Lacson said the policemen need to regain the trust and confidence of the people after misbehaving police officers have been implicated in illegal activities. 

Carranza said this resolve of the PNP to get rid of misbehaving policemen is also echoed in the regional level, as PRO-7 Director, Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas, has been serious in filing cases against erring cops.

Carranza said it has been observed that many of the cops who are found to be misbehaving have the rank of PO1 and PO2. This is the reason why the recruitment process is important in assessing an applicant’s character, he said. 

Based on the records of the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, a total of 84 cases have been filed against erring policemen across the region in 2014. Of this number, 25 have been resolved while the remaining 59 cases remain pending.

RIDMB chief, Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, said most of those who figured in the 25 cases are facing suspension, depending on the gravity of the offense.

He said that while they have been found guilty in the administrative cases, the rulings have not been implemented yet since some of them have filed for a motion for reconsideration.

Lawas said most of the cases they received from their office include grave misconduct, extortions and simple regulations being violated.

A bulk of these cases, he said, involved police station chiefs who failed to meet their targets.

“Majority were found to be negligent as far as these lawful orders are concerned pero minor ra ang sanctions,” he said.

Lawas said majority of these cases involved policemen in Metro Cebu since the public are more vigilant, more exposed and more aware about the wrongdoings of law enforcers compared to those in the provinces.

“Ang uban they don’t mind. Naa pud mga pulis sa province na minor lang ang lapses nga na-commit nila which were noticed by the public,” he said. — (FREEMAN)