Cops’ looks matter to PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to launch the “Tamang Bihis” program for policemen as part of efforts to improve the image of “Mamang Pulis.”

Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP deputy chief for administration, admitted that a number of policemen do not wear their uniform properly.

“We want to improve the image of our policemen, from their performance to their appearance,” said Verzosa during a press conference last Thursday.

Observers claim that some policemen look shabby, while some even refuse to button their shirts while inside police stations.

Verzosa said they would also address the issue by putting restrictions on or accrediting suppliers of materials for PNP uniforms.

“Under the Integrated Transformation Program (ITP), the PNP leadership has lined up programs for the improvement of its personnel, facilities, logistics and system development. We have started that by conducting training and seminars for personnel,” said Verzosa.

He added that the PNP under the administration of Director General Avelino Razon Jr., through the Police Management Office, has also inaugurated at least four model police stations, acquired new patrol cars, helicopters and other equipment to improve police service to the community.

Verzosa also met with some foreign counterparts who have pledged donations and financial assistance for the implementation of the ITP.

Meanwhile, Verzosa said administrative charges will be filed against policemen from the Manila Police District (MPD) who committed “lapses” in attending to the complaint of Karina Antonette Agudo, who works as a researcher with the Philippine Navy.

Agudo’s experience was published in a newspaper and caught the attention of the PNP leadership, including Verzosa, executive director of the PMO.

Agudo, who personally met with Verzosa the other day, narrated how badly she was treated by police officers when she filed a complaint at a police station along España in Manila last Jan. 23.

“I hadn’t even finished my narration when the policeman suddenly cut me off, saying, “Miss, tapos na ang duty ko. Eto na ‘yung next na shift, siya na lang magtutuloy (Miss, I’m done with my duty. Here comes the next shift, he’ll take over),” the woman said in her article.

She added: “There were three policemen on the next shift. Police Officer No. 2 sat in front of the table. He looked for a pen and it took him about five minutes to analyze the police blotter format. He asked me twice what day it was.”

“Police Nos. 3 and 4 sat in front of me and began asking questions. Where and when did it happen? Who did it to me? What was my relationship with the person involved? Were there other people around? What was I doing in that place? Did anyone help me? How was I feeling? Did it hurt? What did I want to happen next?” she recalled.

Agudo pointed out that “after all the questions, both necessary and not, had been asked, they told me that the place where the incident happened was not in their area of jurisdiction. So they had to forward my case to another police station for proper disposal.”

She added that the next part of the interview consisted of their personal thoughts on the incident.

“Apparently I was facing policemen-psychiatrists, and I got a heavy dose of unsolicited opinions. First, they told me what happened was partly my mistake. I told them, hitting another person cannot be justified. Only an insensitive, immature and uneducated person would do that,” she said.

In her opinion, Agudo said the policemen would get a percentage of the amount if she decided to just settle the case amicably. “I could tell from their encouraging tone. The policemen were too lazy to do their task,” she said.

“But if these policemen came close to intimidating an educated person, what chance has the average citizen? Justice, apparently, is only for those who demand and fight for their rights. Now I understand why many people choose to keep quiet instead of going to the authorities with their complaints. Now I understand why some people take justice into their own hands: those who should help them are the ones who discourage them and keep justice away from them,” she added in her article.

Verzosa vowed that the PNP leadership will take necessary action to encourage other citizens to come out in the open to seek police assistance.

The STAR earlier reported a study indicating that about 85 percent of victims of crimes would rather pray that seek police assistance.

Razon has instituted a number of programs like Mamang Pulis and Aling Pulis to bring police closer to the community.