Internal Affairs Service under Napolcom supervision OK with PNP

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it prefers to have its Internal Affairs Service (IAS) placed under the supervision of the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

“If we will be asked [to] present another option, we’d rather suggest that Internal Affairs Service would come under the Napolcom,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said on ANC’s “Early Edition.”

“At least, we still belong to one family and the coordination and preparations of these undertakings would not be very difficult,” Banac added.

As the PNP is currently being hounded by the “ninja cops” controversy, a lawmaker previously filed a bill that will transform the IAS into an independent body.

READ: ‘Ninja cops’ mess should prompt creation of an independent IAS — solon

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, however, said the proposal needs “a lot of study.”

READ: PNP says IAS’ independence requires a ‘lot of study’

Napolcom Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao welcomed Banac’s idea.

“It’s a very welcome move,” Casurao said in the same interview.

“Because right now, the independence they’re trying to figure out will be realized under the auspices of the National Police Commission.”

“Why? Because by law and even by the Constitution, the National Police Commission manages and supervises the PNP,” he added.

Asked if what will be the role of IAS under Napolcom,

Casurao said the Napolcom’s law enforcement functions will be bolstered if the IAS is under its supervision.

Casurao likewise floated an idea of his own, saying that the IAS may also be placed under the Office of the President.

“There is another proposal to put it under the Office of the President, I think that would be a very ideal situation,” Casurao said.
“The budgetary requirements, the personal compliment they want to realize can easily be addressed because the Office of the President can arrange all these things for them.”  /gsg