Napolcom exec defends cops in ‘prayer rally’

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) defended members of Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Association Inc. (MFBAI) who staged a prayer meeting at their headquarters over the weekend.

Some 50 Western Police District cops belonging to the MFBAI, at about 3 p.m. last Friday, lit candles at the ground floor of the Western Police District headquarters. The policemen also prayed for the recall of 160 Manila policemen who were allegedly "exiled" by the NCRPO to different provinces as apparent penalty for committing alleged minor infractions such as being absent from roll calls and for being in incomplete uniform.

The policemen also prayed for the implementation of a Napolcom memorandum dated Feb. 13 which called the transfers illegal.

Following the incident, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Edgar Aglipay ordered WPD director Chief Superintendent Nicolas Pasinos to conduct an investigation. Those involved could face a possible 15-day suspension for staging the activity, which the NCRPO considers a "light offense."

"As far as we are concerned, they should not be punished. There is no justification for that. How can you be punished for praying to your God? It is better that they stage a prayer rally than take up arms over their grievances," said Napolcom vice chairman Rogelio Pureza.

Pureza signed the Feb. 13 memorandum.

In ordering the investigation, Aglipay emphasized that the prayer meeting and candle lighting held by the policemen were not authorized by superiors and were held during office hours.

Meanwhile, Pureza in a telephone interview clarified reports that he allegedly had "softened" his stand on the issue and had nullified the Feb. 13 memorandum.

At least 400 policemen detailed with the NCRPO’s five districts have been "exiled" to various provincial posts for allegedly minor infractions.

Meanwhile, Aglipay said the punishment of erring policemen will continue but there will be no more transfers to the provinces.

But Aglipay stressed that this will not mean that he has softened his stand on the transfer of more than 400 policemen to the Bicol region and other provinces. — Mike Frialde and Non Alquitran