MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to keep the police force “free from any form of corruption and abuse” during the oath-taking of 57 newly promoted police generals at Malacañang yesterday.
“There will be no room for leniency for those who engage in acts that tarnish the reputation of our police and jeopardize the safety of our people,” Marcos said, claiming that his administration has adopted a “zero-tolerance policy” for corruption and rights abuses within the PNP.
The PNP has recently been embroiled in controversy. Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar, 17, was shot dead by the police in Navotas City on Aug. 2, while John Ompad, 15, was shot dead by a cop in Rizal province on Aug. 20.
In July, Marcos accepted the resignation of 18 high-ranking police officials implicated in the illegal drug trade.