Priests, pastors to aid in PNP’s ‘squadding system’ – Gamboa

Police officers march at the Philippine National Police grounds in Camp Crame in Quezon City. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Priests and pastors “from no specific religion” will help in the so-called squadding system of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its efforts to rid the institution of errant uniformed personnel.

“In-emphasize na namin ‘yung (We have been emphasizing the) squadding system that really there should be a third party intervention when it comes to internal cleansing,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa told reporters at the Manila Police District Headquarters on Wednesday.

“Kaya magkakaroon na po tayong (So we’ll now have) squads, life coaches. These are pastors, priests of no specific religion,” added Gamboa, who was recently appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as 23rd chief of PNP.

Deviant police officers are expected to improve “moral values” with the help of the life coaches in PNP’s squadding system, according to Gamboa.

Citing recent studies from the Ateneo School of Government, Gamboa underscored the reformation of wayward policemen.

“Because of recent studies that have been conducted by the Ateneo School of Government, of which even if they have been punished.. kumbaga tinatawag na bad policemen (those bad policemen so to speak), they were punished out of their misdemeanors,” Gamboa said.

“They themselves are convinced may pag-asa tayo sa kapulisan (we have hope for policemen) if we strengthen the squadding system and we advise the right coaches,” he added.

A meeting was set on February 29 to discuss PNP’s squadding system with directors of the 11 Police Regional Offices nationwide, Gamboa said.

Edited by KGA