From the Manila Bulletin: The Philippine National Police disclosed it appreciated Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson applauding the current leadership of Director General Oscar Albayalde in dealing with cops accused of extortion.
Lacson’s statement a ‘big morale booster’ to PNP — spokesperson
Published May 6, 2018, 3:05 PM
By Martin Sadongdong
The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday disclosed it appreciated Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson applauding the current leadership of Director General Oscar Albayalde in dealing with cops accused of extortion.
“We appreciate Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s statement congratulating the PNP in its intensified internal cleansing efforts,” said Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, PNP spokesperson.
“This is a big boost to the morale of our personnel who are faithfully performing their duties amid the dangers of police work,” he added.
Over the weekend, Lacson took to social media to applaud Albayalde’s strict and staunch approach in dealing with ‘kotong’ (extort) cops.
“Kudos to the PNP leadership. Taking ‘kotong’ cops off the streets is a good start. Getting them out of the PNP is a practical follow through. Putting them in jail is the logical conclusion. A good formula to sustain the campaign is simple – leadership by example,” Lacson, a former PNP chief himself, wrote on his Twitter account.
Lacson made the statement following the relief of the entire Drug Enforcement Unit of Galas Police Station under the jurisdiction of the Quezon City Police District on Friday.
The nine members of DEU team were accused of extorting P300,000 to four persons they arrested supposedly for violating the election gun ban in what they claimed was a buy-bust operation.
Also ordered relieved pending an investigation was Galas Police Station commander, Supt. Igmedio Bernaldez, and the DEU head, Chief Insp. Erwin Guevarra, for command responsibility.
Bulalacao said the PNP’s internal cleansing program ensures that every policeman will be well-disciplined.
“There is no better way to earn the trust and confidence of the public but to have a police organization of which members are well-disciplined,” Bulalacao stated.
“Therefore, every police officer should imbibe discipline by heart as it is a core part of the PNP Professional Conduct and Ethical Standard,” he added.
Instilling discipline to the 195,000-strong PNP force put Albayalde at the helm of the national police organization.
Even President Duterte admitted it was Albayalde’s strictness which convinced him to appoint the latter as the successor of former PNP chief and now Bureau of Corrections head, Director General Ronald dela Rosa.