INQUIRER PHOTO/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — Even as a new year unfolds, the public still has qualms on the integrity of the Philippine National Police (PNP) after it was haunted in 2019 by the drug recycling controversy, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año admitted Monday.
“Mayroon pa ring agam-agam ang mga tao na magtiwala sa ating mga pulis. Nakakalungkot man ito isipin ngunit ito ang malaking hamon sa ating kapulisan,” he said in a speech before police officers at Camp Crame.
(The public is still doubtful on whether or not to trust the police. This is saddening to think about but it is a huge challenge to the police force.)
This is Año’s first public speech before PNP personnel for this year after he was designated by President Rodrigo Duterte to supervise the organization in the absence of a PNP chief. The PNP is an attached agency of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
During his speech, Año also told police officers to intensify programs for the organization to earn a good image from the public.
“Every policeman counts in our image-building drive. You must be the messenger of goodwill especially as public servants, protector and savior whatever your rank is,” he said.
He also ordered the PNP to intensify its internal cleansing program to rid the police force of scalawags.
“I will not hesitate to do what is necessary until all the bad ones are removed,” he said.
Año likewise directed police officers to adhere to ethical standards in practicing their duty, such as refusing bribes from drug and gambling lords, not using vehicles confiscated as evidence, and refraining to go to indecent places.
He also assured police officers that they will be given sufficient legal assistance in fulfilling their mandate, as he stressed some personalities are after the tarnishing of the image of the PNP.