Aglipay vows to crack the whip on abusive cops

Incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay, vowed yesterday to crack the whip on abusive cops if they continue with their illegal activities.

Aglipay will assume the top PNP post today in simple turnover ceremonies at Camp Crame with President Arroyo as guest of honor.

The new PNP chief called on the citizenry to cooperate fully with his efforts to cleanse the ranks of the country’s 124,000-strong police force of scalawags.

He said the public can directly call his attention in matters pertaining to erring policemen and illegal drugs through his cellphone number 0917-8131310. "Basta problema tungkol sa abusadong pulis at ilegal na droga puwede nila akong tawagan (Anyone can always call me for problems relating to abusive policemen and illegal drugs)," he said.

Should there be strong evidence against erring policemen, Aglipay said he will not hesitate to recommend their summary dismissal from the police service.

Aglipay admitted that he continues to receive reports of police involvement in "bangketa," "hulidap" and "kotong" operations and had mobilized tracker teams to monitor these illegal activities. Majority of the so-called bangketa, hulidap and kotong cases reported to their office have victimized mostly Chinese businessmen in Metro Manila’s streets.

Aglipay said the campaign against rogue cops has the approval of Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Aglipay also announced the implementation of a program dubbed as "TABA," an acronym for "Tamad, Abusado, Bastos at Ayaw Madispilina, aimed at enforcing discipline among the rank-and-file.

He said TABA violators would automatically be sent for a one-month training in Corregidor.