Cascolan pushes for localization of cops’ assignments

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan on Monday pushed for the localization of assignments of police officers.

“Prioritizing the welfare of every personnel of the PNP, one of my main thrusts is the localization of assignment,” Cascolan said during a press briefing.

He cited Section 63 of the Republic Act 8551 or the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, which states that police personnel with the rank of patrolwoman or patrolman up to police executive master sergeant shall be assigned to the city and municipality of their recruitment and/or place of residence, or if not possible, to the municipality, province or regions closest to his residence.

“When you say localization, this is the transfer with the proper swapping of personnel,” he explained. “This will be the transfer of personnel to other regions, but with the swapping of other personnel for regions of which these PNP personnel will be coming from.”

Cascolan noted that some mayors, especially those in Metro Manila, have not understood the localization program. He added that Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for administration, has already explained the matter to the mayors to avoid confusion.

Cascolan said that under the program, all police officers who will be transferred to other areas will be exchanged with other police officers to fill their membership in the unit.

“Ibig sabihin, one is to one (It will be one is to one). Localization means going in or at your areas of residence, and this will boost their morale,” he said.

“This is one way of telling our people that we expect the good and best performance from you. This is also one way of also telling them that we will take care of you, most especially with your transfer,” he added.

KGA

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