Espenido a ‘sour grape’?
MANY have described the so-called “poster boy” of the former Duterte administration’s war on drugs Lieutenant Colonel Jovie-as a “crybaby,” a sour-graping active police official when he claimed that the PNP is the “biggest organized crime syndicate in the country” during a congressional hearing this week.
I agree. He may have his own share of a bad experience with the police force during the previous Duterte administration but the man really showed his true colors when he uttered those words without presenting any evidence, unmindful of the memories of hundreds of policemen who have been killed or wounded in the line of duty since it was created in 1991.
There were so many quotes on loyalty sent to me by friends following the outburst of the man while wearing his PNP uniform. “Loyalty is a debt that should always be paid.” “Speak well of your organization, even if you have left it. It is a reflection of your character.”
“Respect is a two-way street. If you want to be respected, respect your organization.” “A person who speaks ill of their organization is often a person who is unhappy with themselves.” “The best way to show your loyalty is to speak positively about your organization, even when it’s difficult.”
As they always say, don’t speak ill of others to feel better about yourself as it really doesn’t work that way. When a man stabs someone in the back, he initially may feel better but over time, it erodes his value and takes a toll on his relations with others.
Many friends from the police force told me that “sour grape” is the best word to describe the man. The man is angry for failing to get or achieve something he wanted. Was that promotion to the rank of a full-fledged Colonel? Or a much higher position?
PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said it all when he spoke about the man’s tirades. She said that the entire police force was shocked and saddened over the man’s as she pointed out that PNP does not fall under the definition of an organized crime group.
“Lagyan po natin ng konteksto. Ang isang organized crime group ay binuo para sa isang purpose lamang, ito ay to commit crimes. So malayung-malayo ito sa realidad kung bakit itinatag ang PNP which is to enforce the law and keep peace and order in the country,” she said.
The official was talking of the man who became known for allegedly leading a number of deadly anti-drug operations which left some top targets during the early years of the Duterte presidency’s war on drugs. However, the gossip at Camp Crame is that he really did not led those operations and just happened to be the chief of the police in the area where those deadly gunfights took place.
I fully agree with Col. Fajardo when she said that the man must realize that although there are a few misfits and scalawags in the organization, the reality is that it is composed of the majority who are honest and dedicated in their performance of duty, particularly the ‘unsung heroes’ who pound the beat round-the-clock just to ensure that the citizenry can sleep well at night or walk in the streets comfortably.
Then, he should also not forget the hundreds of police officers and men who have been killed in the line of duty, those who have died in the hands of armed drug traffickers, kidnappers, robbers and terrorists including the Gallant 44 from the PNP Special Action Force who perished in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.
Col. Fajardo said the man has made “sweeping claims” which he need to substantiate by offering pieces of evidence. She also said that the PNP leadership headed by General Rommel Marbil is also firm in its uncompromising stand against scoundrels in the force, ensuring that they will be arrested, disarmed, locked up in jail and charged in court with the certainty of punishment foremost in the mind of the organization.
The PNP spokesperson said there is also an existing grievance committee in the PNP where a policeman who feels he has been aggrieved can seek redress. The man complained it took 10 years before he was promoted although Col. Fajardo said he must also say if he met all the qualification standards including educational and eligibility requirements during that 10-year period.
The lawyer-official who since December last year is also yet to get her promotion to the rank of Brigadier General maintained it is quite unfair and saddening that an active police officer will implicate the entire police organization.
“The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed deep concern and sadness over the recent allegations made during the third joint public hearing of the House Quad Committee, wherein the PNP was described as the “largest organized crime group in the country.” Such a statement casts a shadow over the integrity and dedication of countless men and women in uniform who have sworn to serve and protect the Filipino people,” she said in another statement.
She was referring to former chief of Albuera Municipal Police Station in Leyte-turned-‘poster boy’ of the Duterte presidency’ bloody war on drugs’ since July 2016 who claimed that the PNP is the ‘largest organized crime group in the country’ and that former PNP chief-turned Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Senator Bong Go ordered the police force to use “all means necessary” to eradicate or “kill” drug personalities in exchange for monetary reward.
“We acknowledge that a small percentage of individuals may stray from the right path, but they do not represent the majority of our dedicated and honorable police officers. Our existing internal disciplinary mechanisms have resulted in the dismissal and suspension of numerous PNP personnel found guilty of not adhering to proper protocols or being involved in wrongful activities. This is evidence that the PNP leadership consistently upholds what is right and strives to provide the best possible service to the nation, setting an example for others to follow,” the PNP statement said.
She also echoed Gen. Marbil’s earlier pronouncements that the police force “remains committed to our continuing reforms that strengthen our institution, and this include strict adherence to the President’s call for a holistic approach to combating illegal drugs, with a strong emphasis on the preservation of human life.”
“The PNP, alongside other law enforcement agencies, will be unrelenting in our campaign against illegal drugs, with each agency contributing to a broader effort to address the drug menace,” she said.
Col. Fajardo also encouraged anyone with credible information regarding misconduct within their ranks to come forward.
“We are fully committed to investigating all allegations thoroughly and impartially, and should any misconduct be proven, we will ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law. The PNP is a unified organization, and no one can truly love and protect it more than those of us who serve within it. We stand together, committed to upholding our principles and continuing our mission to serve and protect the Filipino people,” she said.