PNP open to batons, whistles for cops  

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. is open to equipping police officers with whistles and batons to avoid the indiscriminate use of firearms when chasing suspected criminals.

Speaking to reporters, Acorda said yesterday they welcome the recommendation of former PNP chief Sen. Ronald dela Rosa of arming police officers with non-lethal weapons apart from their firearms.

“Of course, I welcome that and sa tingin ko tama rin (I think it’s right),” he said.

Dela Rosa made the proposal after two teenagers were killed by policemen in separate law enforcement operations wherein lapses were committed.

He was referring to the deaths of Jerhode Baltazar, 17, in Navotas City and 15-year-old John Francis Ompad in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Baltazar was killed by policemen who mistook him for a shooting suspect. Ompad, on the other hand, died from a gunshot fired by a lawman intended for his brother.

Acorda will study Dela Rosa’s proposal with other members of the PNP command group.

Acorda believes in giving police officers other equipment to warn people and establish their presence instead of using firearms to fire a warning shot.

Asked about the possibility of giving police officers taser guns, Acorda said it should be studied carefully since these devices are “prone to abuse.”