First revamp of PNP officers in 2012 looms

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will have its first revamp this year involving key officials in the police force.

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome is set to announce the latest reshuffle in the police organization affecting at least four officials with star ranks.

The STAR learned that Director Rey Lañada, PNP director of Comptroller, will be reassigned to the PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD).

Lañada would be replaced by Director Roque Ramirez while Chief Superintendent Gil Meneses will be the next PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) in charge of regulating security agencies in the country.

Meneses’ present position as regional director of Southern Tagalog Police will be given to Chief Superintendent James Andres Melad, the present chief of the Headquarters Support Service, the unit in charge of the security in Camp Crame, the national headquarters of the PNP.

Bartolome earlier vowed to push the 10-point program of the PNP designed to make the police force capable, effective and efficient.

Bartolome said the PNP anchored all its projects on the 10-point program.

“We are still leveling up the capability of the PNP on the aspect of technology,” he said.

The PNP, meanwhile, reported a significant drop of 47 percent in the number of kidnapping cases in 2011 compared to 2010.

The PNP-Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) said there were only 10 kidnapping cases in 2011 in Luzon, compared to 21 incidents in 2010.

PACER chief Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez said there were 16 terror-related kidnapping incidents in Mindanao last year. He noted that the statistics of kidnapping in Mindanao were separated from incidents in Manila, where most cases of kidnapping were carried out for ransom by criminal elements.

Nerez attributed the accomplishment to the vigilance of the community and stakeholders, particularly the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO).

Nerez said any information about kidnapping could be reported to PACER Hotline 727-0000, PNP Hotline 117 and MRPO 527-6083.

MPRO founding president Teresita Ang-See said there was a dramatic improvement in the government campaign against kidnapping from the 1990s to 2003 when their group was formed.

“Sadly, our membership continue to expand (because there were kidnap victims who seek MRPO’s help),” Ang-See said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

During the press conference a member of the MRPO prepared a documentary on “how to survive a kidnapping” since he was a survivor of a kidnapping incident in 2009.

Julian Rodriguez recalled how government agents rescued him before his family was forced to pay ransom for his release.

Rodriguez said his experience has taught him to be more conscious of their security in the family.

“Avoid routine when traveling from home to work, since kidnappers would be able to establish the pattern of their prospective victims,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez advised that one should act as a security officer in the family and take charge of ensuring the safety of every family member.

“Screen your workers well. In the past, housemaids, gardeners and other workers wittingly or unwittingly gave out tips to kidnappers,” he said.

“Avoid a conspicuous and flashy lifestyle, which indicates victim’s capability to pay ransom.”

Rodriguez also advised against traveling alone and as much as possible, “gas up during daytime and always maintain the vehicle.”

“When kidnapped, do not peep from your blindfold and use your other senses. Never give financial information, do not argue with your abductor and think twice about escaping,” he said.

Rodriguez also advised that after release from captivity, kidnap victims must follow their instructions, wait until the coast is clear then report to the nearest police station. – With Non Alquitran