PNP vows to intensify campaign vs unscrupulous men in uniform

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao vowed yesterday to intensify the campaign against unscrupulous men in uniform, particularly the so-called "kotong cops," following reports of numerous abuses.

"We cannot say the drive is entirely a failure or entirely successful. We are just looking for a strategic view," Lomibao said in reaction to the statement of Star publisher and chairman Max V. Soliven that the campaign against unscrupulous law enforcers has not been successful.

Soliven, who was guest of honor and speaker during the flag-raising ceremony at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame yesterday, said he knows a number of people who have been victimized by extortionists in uniform.

He cited the case of a couple who parked their car along EDSA near an MRT station while waiting for a relative on their way home to Laguna at around 5:30 a.m.

Soliven said a patrol car approached the vehicle and asked the couple, "Terorista ba kayo?" They explained that they have not violated any law and were merely waiting for a relative.

"May violation kayo, parking illegally," Soliven quoted the erring cops as saying. The cops later demanded P500 for the "violation," saying they haven’t had breakfast yet. The couple eventually convinced the cops to lower the "fine" to P200.

"This goes to show you that the drive for honesty has not been successful," Soliven told the men and women of the PNP.

He added that some students from Manila have opted to go back to Silliman University in Duma-guete, Negros Occidental for fear of being victimized by unscrupulous policemen.

Soliven, who started as a police reporter along with Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., urged the PNP to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining order in the streets.

"You are the guardians of the country. It’s only the police that stand between civilians and anarchy, crime and violence. Earn the trust of the public," Soliven said.

Records show that only 12 suspected "kotong cops" have been arrested from Jan. 1 to June 25 this year. The number of arrests dropped significantly compared to the last four months of 2004, when a total of 95 policemen were arrested for illegal activities.