It’s best for IAS to remain under PNP – Banac

PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is not keen on the proposal to transform its Internal Affairs Service (IAS) into a separate, independent unit.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac on Wednesday said the national police force needs the IAS as its “watchdog.”

“I think Internal Affairs Service need not separate yet from the PNP because we need them as our watchdog, together we can discipline our cops,” Banac said in an interview on ABS CBN News Channel.

PNP-IAS Director Alfegar Triambulo earlier said he wants the IAS to be an independent unit separate from the PNP so that it can be more empowered in investigating errant police officers.

Banac, however, reasoned out that it would be easier in terms of communication and coordination if the IAS remains under the PNP.

“For convenience and to facilitate the easy communication and coordination, it’s best that they need to remain under the PNP,” Banac said.

Should policy-makers decide otherwise, the PNP suggests that the IAS be placed under the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

“We suggest that they will be under the Napolcom because we belong to the same family,” said Banac.

He also assured the public that “there is no interference (from the PNP) in so far as the operations of the IAS.”

The Senate Blue Ribbon and Justice and Human Rights Committee, through its committee report, suggested that the IAS be separated from the PNP to avoid cases where errant police officers are extended favors.

READ: Senate joint panel suggests IAS be separated from PNP

PNP Officer-In-Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier said that the IAS separation “requires a lot of study,” citing the unit’s lack of organization.

He also said that the PNP is currently studying the request of the IAS for adjudicatory powers and financial independence. /gsg

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

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