Cops to get one card for ID, ATM

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima warned police officers yesterday against pawning their automated teller machine (ATM) cards, which will soon be combined with their official identification cards.

Purisima said the PNP is working to convert the ID cards of all its 148,000 uniformed personnel as part of the effort to improve the salary system in the organization.

“We are now working to convert the ATMs and the PNP ID in one card for every cop. We hope to implement it in the soonest possible time,” he added.

Purisima expressed the belief that the ID cards’ conversion will discourage policemen from the usual practice of pawning their ATM cards when taking out loans. The ATM cards will only be returned once the payment has been completed.

He said he hopes the new system would bring dignity to the police uniform.

Despite the salary standardization for PNP members, some policemen still claimed they do not have enough money for their children’s tuition and medical expenses as well as for emergencies.