Mercado bats for stronger PNP action against rogue cops

Former Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado called yesterday for the ‘strengthening of the internal affairs investigation mechanism’ in the Philippine National Police (PNP) to check the performance and conduct of police officers.

Mercado bewailed the fact that the operation of "a strong and no-nonsense PNP Internal Affairs Department, as embodied in the PNP Reform Law has never been given emphasis as to really remove scalawags."

"The reason many of our countrymen are afraid to report crimes such as kidnappings to the police is the nagging suspicion or perception that policemen or even ranking PNP officials are themselves involved in illegal activities," Mercado said.

The former defense chief welcomed the decision of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to tap the military in the conduct of anti-crime operations, particularly in Mindanao where groups like the Abu Sayyaf and MILF carry our kidnappings and other crimes.

Mercado pointed out that "even in the past, the military had been asked to play a support role in fighting crime, particularly in intelligence activities to track down rebel of terrorist groups who engaged in kidnapping and extortion to raise funds."

"But for such joint efforts to be successful, we also have to strengthen the PNP’s internal affairs department to go after policemen who, themselves, get involved in criminal activities," the two-term former senator said.