Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is regaining the trust and confidence of the public.
DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Bernardo Florece Jr. underscored that the police force has been rebuilding its image through internal cleansing, capability enhancement, and citizen engagement programs which in turn encouraged the people to partake in the whole-of-nation fight against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, insurgency, and terrorism.
“The PNP likewise advanced the capacity of our country’s law enforcers, ensured accountability and professionalism among our police personnel, and looked after our heroes’ well-being by providing them with benefits, rewards, and incentives to boost their morale,” he stated during the culmination activity for the National Crime Prevention Week.
The official noted that 21,891 barangays across the country have already been declared drug cleared while 822 communist villages are enjoying the benefits of barangay development programs.
In addition, Florece lauded the PNP and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for punishing erring police officers and revoked the police deputation powers of abusive local chief executives.
“This is proof that we do not tolerate or turn a blind eye to misbehavior among those tasked to enforce the law, and neither do we allow local leaders to take advantage of their police authority to further their own interests,” he said.
DILG reported that of the 275 administrative cases filed against 515 cops from March to July this year, a total of 166 police officers were dismissed from service, demoted or suspended.
Meanwhile, Florece called on the police force to remain professional and nonpartisan, and avoid politicking amid the upcoming national and local elections.
“Let us not use our power to push for our own interests. As public servants, our job is to serve the people, and not ourselves…This is how we maintain the trust, respect, and confidence of the citizenry,” he emphasized.
The undersecretary advised the police to not cower or be disheartened despite the criticisms, ire, and hostility as they have the entire government’s full backing, and cooperation of the people.
Florece also thanked national government agencies, civil society organizations, private sectors, and all advocates of crime prevention for supporting the PNP and NAPOLCOM in pursuit of peaceful, orderly, and safe communities for a crime-free and resilient Philippines.
“Indeed, as our country experiences one of the most trying eras in history, we need the entire Filipino nation to walk as one amid all the ordeals of this crisis,” he said.
He added that the initiatives of establishing a more effective, efficient, and well-disciplined police force is what would stir citizen participation towards reducing lawlessness and criminality.