PNP, PAOCTF compete on arrested mulcting cops

The five Metro Manila police districts and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) are competing as to who can arrest the highest number of kotong cops.

Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Edgar Aglipay clarified that no reward awaits the winner of the "friendly competition" designed to push the cops to vigorously go after inept, corrupt and undisciplined (ICU) colleagues.

"So far, policemen, especially those from the traffic division, are strictly following our instructions not to receive bribe money from the public," said Aglipay in a telephone interview.

Despite the positive results, Aglipay warned of complacency. He directed his deputy for administration and concurrent chief of the Regional Investigation and Intelligence Committee (RIIC) Chief Superintendent Efren Fernandez to intensify field monitoring.

"We don't want to hear reports that our men are sliding back to their old kotong days," said Aglipay.

And to strengthen their resolve against kotong cops, Aglipay and PNP chief Deputy Director General Panfilo Lacson agreed on the competition.

Since Lacson started his campaign against ICU cops last month, the PAOCTF recorded some 250 arrests compared to more than 50 by the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) headed by Aglipay.

Aglipay said the initial result of their monthly "friendly competition" will be known by the end of the month. "We will collate our records from the five police districts and the NCRPO before comparing them with that of PAOCTF," he said.

Aglipay is hoping that with the competition and rigid monitoring of the RIIC, ICU policemen will reform and forget their old kotong days.

He called on the ICU cops to reform before Fernandez and the PAOCTF operatives get them.

"This is not yet the end of the world for them. They have plenty of time to reform so that their families and the public can be proud of them," said Aglipay.