Mini-gyms eyed in police stations

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome plans to put up small physical fitness rooms in all police stations to keep policemen fit.

Bartolome said the welfare of the 140,000 police officers is the

primary concern of the PNP leadership to ensure they are capable and efficient in carrying out their mandate of securing the general public.

“One of my programs would be the setting up of a small room in every police station, which could be their workout area,” he added.

In improving the campaign against street crime, the new PNP chief tapped the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to take the lead in a sustained campaign against wanted persons.

“I believe that one criminal off the street will accord citizens with sound sleep. Therefore, I will order a sustained campaign on accounting of wanted persons, service of warrants must be given due attention,” he added.

Bartolome said he would also see to it that the funds of the PNP are protected and ensure transparency and accountability.

He said that all alleged irregularities in procurement of equipment are investigated and corrected and individuals, public and private, implicated in anomalies are held accountable.

At present, the PNP is haunted by a series of alleged anomalous procurements, including the P104.9- million supposedly new helicopters, which turned out to be secondhand; patrol boats with oversized and overpowered motor engines amounting to P131 million, and the “ghost” repair of 28 V-150 armored vehicles worth P409 million.

“Discipline will remain a central focus of my leadership, we will be quick in giving rewards to deserving personnel and acknowledge their good deeds,” said Bartolome.

He warned police scalawags that the PNP would punish the misfits and the undisciplined.

“With the government taking care of our personnel, by way of equipage, training, shelter, salary increase and other benefits, I expect personnel to perform their best. By doing so, we shall win the community to our side, the police and the community will then form a formidable team against any threat to peace and order,” he said.

Bartolome said there would be periodic performance evaluation of police officers to ensure that only the competent and effective remain in uniform.