PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. has reiterated his fatherly advice to his officers and men this Heart’s Month: stay loyal to your families as he warned that those abusing their wives and kids won’t be tolerated and will see themselves being arrested and prosecuted in court.

The top cop issued the renewed reminder as the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group headed by Brigadier Gen. Warren F. de Leon noted a growing number of policemen being charged for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004.

Brig. Gen. de Leon said that in 2002, out of the 61 cases involving police personnel which were referred to them, 17 were violation of RA 9262. So far this year, the official said they have already took cognizance of three similar cases.

During the period, PNP-IMEG records showed that 24 PNP personnel have already been arrested for violation of RA 9262 which covers various acts of violence such as physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse which include neglecting financial obligations to their families.

“Minsan may iba pang pamilya, du’n kinukulang. Kasi nagiging dalawa ‘yung kaldero, kinakapos ng pang suporta,” explained Brig. Gen. de Leon.

According to the official, it is very saddening to know that all those charged for violation of RA 9262 are Police Non-Commissioned Officers who failed to provide financial support to their wives and children.

“Kung tutuusin, tinaas na ang sahod ng pulis. Naka-design ‘yun sa isang pamilya lang. ‘Wag ka na dodoble. Kung wala kang ibang source of income mo, ‘wag ka nang dodoble ng pamilya,” he said.

Section 5 of RA 9262 says that deprivation or denial of support to a woman although she is legally entitled to it is a punishable offense. In short, failure to give child support is a criminal offense in the country.

RA 9262 also states that ‘causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to the woman or her child, but not limited to, repeated verbal and emotional abuse and denial of financial support or custody of minor children or access to the woman’s child/children is also a punishable offense.

The law in particular charges tougher penalties for abusive husbands and men as it marked the declaration of the State’s valuation to the ‘dignity of women and children and guaranteed full respect for human rights.’

Last February 14, Gen. Azurin said that the PNP leadership, Valentine’s Day or not, has not been remiss in reminding its personnel to be loyal to their spouses or boyfriends or girlfriends and see to it that they support their children.

He also said that police personnel should not be involved in cases of violence against women and their children because they are the ones supposed to be observing the law which they are enforcing.

Gen. Azurin said the PNP Internal Affairs Service and the Women and Children Protection Center are also serious in investigating complaints regarding police personnel maltreating their wives, partners or kids or failing to support them financially.

“Giving financial support to our family is our main responsibility. Concern din yan ng ilang tao and any complaint na napapabayaan sila ng asawa nilang pulis ay inaaksiyunan namin kaagad. We ensure that whatever entitlement and support intended for dependents will be given,” he said.

Gen. Azurin cited an incident in which an Overseas Filipino Worker in Dubai approached them during their stay there last week and sought their help over the failure of her policeman-husband to provide financial support to their kids. He said that they have called for the concerned cop.

The PNP chief also said that having two or more families is a main reason why some policemen are being forced to engage in corrupt activities.

“Definitely, isang dahilan yan kaya nagkakaroon ng corruption sa PNP. Kasi yung suweldo ng pulis sa totoo lang kasya lang sa isang pamilya. Dinoble na nga ng ating dating Presidente Duterte, that’s enough to sustain a family, send children to reputable schools. Pero definitely, pag me other family, mag-start na maging corrupt ang isang pulis to sustain the other family or families,” he said.

Brig. Gen. de Leon said that in 2022, they managed to account for 24 out of the 42 PNP personnel ordered arrested by different courts for violation of RA 9262.

He added that one of those arrested is a maritime cop accused by his wife of physical abuse. The cop who was arrested last February 9 in Mabini, Batangas was ordered to post a P72,000 bail for his temporary liberty.