GMA wants female cops on the streets

Talk about gender equality on the streets.

Citing the old US television series Charlie’s Angels, President Arroyo ordered Philippine National Police chief Leandro Mendoza yesterday to make sure that female graduates of the PNP Academy are fielded to fight criminals, not just stuck to desk jobs.

Mrs. Arroyo graced the 23rd PNPA commencement exercises at Camp Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite yesterday. She swore into police commission the 296 members of the academy’s Sinag-laya Class 2002.

Of the graduates, 58 are women, three of whom were among the top five graduates, namely, Fritzie Gorgonia, Teresita Maraon and Honee Fritz Abangan.

"We need women not only in the office but out there on the streets, not only to direct traffic but to fight criminals," she said. "I want this to happen so that women will have more opportunities to become heroes and leaders..."

"I want the women in the police to be in operations and intelligence like everyone in your ranks. I am sure our policewomen are capable of the toughest jobs on the streets," she added. — Marichu Villanueva