Cops must be proud of their uniform–PNP chief
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said the ongoing transformation efforts by the organization should prod all policemen to be proud to wear their uniforms.
For the PNP chief, the uniform is an important part of the daily life of a police officer.
Many policemen also have lost their lives while wearing their uniform; killed in action while trying to arrest heavily-armed terrorists, drug dealers, robbers and kidnappers in the past.
Gen. Marbil has highlighted the need for each member of the police force to be a dignified police officer.
“The moment a uniform is worn by police officers, distinct roles and values and responsibilities are anchored on their shoulders.
Among those values emphasized was the dignity and sanctity of the identifier that police officers and not ‘just-just’ (basta-basta) but officers with vital roles in society,” he said.
Gen. Marbil has barred his men from holding umbrellas or carrying the bags of people they are securing.
Gen. Marbil said he issued the directive noting that such ‘flag-carrying duty’ is not a part of a policeman’s job but is something that is degrading for a man in uniform.
Gen. Marbil’s call on his men to be proud of their uniform comes amid his uncompromising policy against abusive policemen and those who are involved in illegal activities.
According to PNP Internal Affairs Service Inspector General Brigido DJ Dulay, over 6,200 policemen have been charged for various administrative offenses ranging from conduct unbecoming of a law enforcer to grave misconduct as a result of the intensified cleansing program of the police force under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Dulay said that since July 2022, a total of 572 erring police personnel have been fired from the service, 260 were demoted and 1,418 were suspended.
All benefits due on dismissed policemen are forfeited in favor of the government and they are also perpetually disqualified from holding any other government post.
The PNP Internal Cleansing Strategy at present has five phases of implementation: prevention, reformation, validation, case build-up and negation or the conduct of appropriate police action or legal offensive against PNP personnel involved in illegal activities.
The no let-up campaign against erring police personnel also comes vis-à-vis with continuing programs to instill commitment, dedication and responsibility among all members of the force.
Gen. Marbil has repeatedly called on his men to always stay on the righteous path and give the best service to the public.
According to him, police officers have two gifts from God every time they wake up: a chance to do good and to make a difference.
Shortly after he took over the top PNP post last April 1, Gen. Marbil asked his men to help them bring back the dignity of their uniform, first and foremost of which is by not allowing themselves to run errands for others.
The PNP chief has emphasized time and time again that police bodyguards in particular are not errand boys who have to carry umbrellas for their VIPs or do marketing chores for them or serve as their drivers.
AUTHOR PROFILE
SHS graduates
