Eleazar vows to rid PNP of ‘rotten eggs’ after Zinampan, Nuezca fiasco

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

TACLOBAN CITY — Police Director General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday vowed to get rid of rogue policemen to bring back the people’s trust to the organization.

Eleazar, who was on a two-day visit in Eastern Visayas, lamented that while there are good cops in the organization, commission of crimes by a few “rotten eggs” tarnishes the image of the Philippine National Police.

“We have zero tolerance against (erring cops),” he said on Monday in a press conference held at the VIP Lounge of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.

The PNP chief, in particular, mentioned Police Master Sgt. Hensie Zinampan and Senior Master Sgt. Jonel Nuezca.

Zinampan shot dead a 52-year-old woman at close range in Quezon City last May 31 while Nuezca gunned down a 52-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son in Tarlac.

Eleazar has ordered the filing of both criminal and administrative charges against Zinampan.

Nuezca is also facing murder charges.

Eleazar urged people to trust policemen who were tasked to serve and protect the community.

“Help us, our countrymen. Trust us. Only through your trust and confidence that we can deliver our mandate in an orderly and peaceful manner,” he said.

He said their complaint system is being strengthened to allow the public to air their grievance against  erring policemen.

During his visit, Eleazar made a surprise visit at the Tacloban City Police Station I located in the San Jose District and praised the assigned policemen for having a clean and orderly workplace.

The police director held a command conference at the PNP regional headquarters based in Palo, Leyte and also witnessed a program attended by former rebels who surrendered to the government.

He is set to visit Ormoc City on Tuesday.

EDV