‘Hello, chief, can I shoot this guy?’
Now legal assistance for police officers is just a phone call away.
Through the 24-hour seven-days-a-week “Panyerong Pulis” hotline, policemen can set legal advice in connection with their work as law enforcers from a lawyer-police officer at the other end.
“This is one way of assuring our PNP personnel that the organization is doing something for them,” said Chief Supt. Ulysses Abellera, director of the Philippine National Police Legal Service.
Around 30 policemen-lawyers from different PNP units are assigned to serve as Panyerong Pulis on rotation every month.
Abellera said policemen are free to ask questions on criminal law, administrative matters and other concerns related to their job.
For instance, policemen serving a warrant may encounter a peculiar situation and may have questions on whether their course of action is legal or not.
“They can call or text us, or e-mail, their question so they will be properly guided,” Abellera said.
Policemen may call 0917-8562801, 0919-9906385, 0925-3015426 or 4701297. Queries may be e-mailed to [email protected], or through Twitter.
Abellera said giving legal assistance was their proactive way of helping policemen, especially those assigned on the ground.
The PNP also aims to ensure that cases against criminals are airtight from the start.
“Our policemen are vulnerable to harassment cases. If they are not confident that the law is on their side, their implementation of operations is half hearted. But if they have confirmation that the law is on their side, they become more confident,” Abellera said.
A Panyerong Pulis is required to review criminal laws and applicable regulations of the PNP and the National Police Commission before going on duty.
A policeman with a legal question could be assured of a quick reply within an hour at most.
“This is part of our advocacy that no policeman will face service-related cases. We don’t want policemen getting dismissed from the service because of that,” Abellera said.
