Photo of PC/Inspector Joseph De Vera of La Loma Police Station shown by police officials during a press conference held the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame. De Vera admitted to investigators of owning the Hi-Ace van with conduction sticker number YF9767 and plate marked “M. ALAB” seen in the viral video of a gun-toting and assault incident along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) in Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City last September 1, 2014. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday said that it zero tolerance would be afforded to rogue cops, which it claimed was a minority in the police force.
The statement came after it was revealed that the men caught in a viral photograph aiming guns at a vehicle in the middle of Edsa were police officers committing highway robbery.
“Ang patakaran namang pinapairal dito ay ‘yung zero tolerance laban sa mga tinaguriang rogue cops,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. told Palace reporters.
(We are implementing a zero-tolerance policy for so-called rogue cops.)
Coloma denied that what had happened was a “major blow” against the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“What would be a major blow is if there is no effort on the part of the leadership to clean up its ranks.
From what I have just discussed, the PNP is definitely on the ball and doing its job,” he explained.
He said no less than President Benigno Aquino III directed Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima, PNP Chief, to closely monitor the situation.
However, Coloma pointed out that the nine police officers, seven of whom were from the La Loma police station in Quezon City, were only a few compared to the 125,000 officers under the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Nahuli o naaresto na ‘yung kanilang deputy commander. Natukoy na ‘yung kanilang partisipasyon,” he pointed out.
(Their deputy commander was already arrested. And their participation has been confirmed.)
“Nu’ng mga nakaraang insidente na agad namang inaksyunan ng pamunuan ng kapulisan,” he added.
(When it came to similar incidents in the past, the police leadership was quick to act on the matter.)
The Secretary explained that the PNP has already been implementing programs to address high-profile crimes, from expanding the police force to addressing the problem with loose firearms.
He said the PNP is working hard to prove to the public that it deserves their trust, especially since cooperation and coordination with the local community is an important aspect of peace and order.
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