The revitalized internal cleansing program (ICP) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is not just about punishing people, according to PNP Spokesperson Senior Supt. Benigno Durana.
Durana said on Thursday that it has a three-pronged approach to the cleansing program —preventive, punitive, and restorative (PPR).
“(In) Preventive, we are continuously assessing the systems and procedure, from training, recruitment, to operations, investigations, […] loopholes that we need to address such that it will not create opportunities or reasons for others to commit illegal or criminal activities,” he said.
“Punitive, that’s what we are doing right now, filing cases against our people, proactively monitoring them and conducting police operations through the different counter-intelligence units,” he added.
Durana also explained that they are seeking the help of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for the rehabilitation of drug users and providing counseling to PNP personnel who have been embroiled in controversies.
“Humingi kami ng tulong for our internal cleansing program (We are seeking the help of CBCP in our cleansing program) sa pag-conduct ng values formation, conduct of personality development training, not only for the erring personnel but also for the rest of the whole force,” he said.
“This is a comprehensive and holistic approach [to] weeding out misfits and scalawags and instill professionalism and integrity in our midst,” Durana added.
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The PNP spokesperson said policemen still get involved in businesses — legal or illegal — even with the salary increase due to lack of financial literacy skills and the “womanizing” habit.
“Kahit na napataas pa ‘yong sahod mo (Even if your salary is high), if you don’t know how to manage your finances, well nothing is enough for you,” Durana noted, emphasizing that financial literacy training is part of the ‘restorative’ component of the ICP.
“Ang sahod namin (Our salary), well, enough only to sustain one kitchen. If you have two to three wives, kung may girlfriend ka pa dyan, talagang mangongotong ka talaga (and if you also have a girlfriend, you will really resort to illegal activities),” he said in jest.
Durana also pleaded to PNP personnel to consider their families’ welfare.
“For example ‘pag na-dismiss ka, wala kang benefits, tanggal lahat ‘yang sustento, kawawa ang pamilya mo (If you are dismissed from service, all your benefits are gone, your family will suffer),” he said.
“So this should serve as a warning to our police officers, kahit na suspended lang, wala ka ring makukuha (Even if you are only suspended, you will get nothing),” he added. /ee
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