'PNP program to bolster reforms'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday said its integrated transformation program will bolster the reform-driven administration of incoming president Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Versoza said that since the incoming administration is bent on institutional reforms, a transformation in the ranks of the national police organization would help in transforming the country, especially in the wake of its first automated elections.

Versoza expressed confidence that the incoming administration will be fully supportive of the PNP’s transformation program.

“As the country turns another page in its illustrious history, I have high hopes and optimism in my heart that the PNP Integrated Transformation Program-Performance Governance System will be implemented with renewed vigor and enthusiasm with the support of our new president and his incoming administration,” he said.

Versoza also called on the 130,000-strong PNP to focus on the organization and not on its personalities, stressing that he is willing to tender his resignation to the new president come June 30.

He said the PNP’s “2016 transformation roadmap,” which contains 15 strategic initiatives for reforming the police organization, not only coincides with the term of the new president, but also reflects the incoming administration’s desire to institutionalize reform in the country.

Versoza said the reform program is projected to be completed by 2016 and is expected to be sustained until 2030.

“We have laid down the foundations for the continuing implementation of our transformation program but more things need to be done and we need to them better,” Versoza said.

Financial assistance

Meanwhile, Malacañang has ordered the release of P5.5 million from the President’s Social Fund as financial assistance to police officers killed or wounded in the performance of official duties.

The Office of the President has released P100,000 cash to the families of each police officer killed in the line of duty. Wounded police officers, on the other hand, will receive P50,000 each.

In addition to the cash aid, police officers wounded and the families of slain police officers will also get a counterpart financial assistance from the PNP and the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI), the PNP’s insurance service provider.

Verzosa expressed his gratitude for the “gesture of concern” shown by the Office of the President.

According to the PNP, the financial assistance extended by the Office of the President to wounded and killed police officers have so far benefited 143 police casualties since the program started in 2007.

Oplan Balik-Eskwela

The PNP has also activated its security plan for the opening of classes next month.

Versoza has ordered all PNP Regional Offices and National Support Units to perform specific tasks and coordinate instructions to implement the nationwide security and public safety plan.

He said “Oplan Balik-Eskwela 2010” will ensure the operational readiness of police units in responding to peace and order concerns, including threats from criminal elements that may take advantage of the situation.

Versoza has given all PNP regional directors the discretionary authority to raise alert conditions as they deem necessary to effectively implement their respective security and public safety plans.