INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Policemen who will be found either squandering their money in gambling areas or binge drinking in bars and clubs will immediately be penalized.
Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas, Philippine National Police (PNP)’s deputy chief for administration, issued a memorandum reiterating to its personnel to live a simple and modest lifestyle.
“In line with the proper decorum for public officials, all PNP personnel are hereby prohibited to engage in any form of gambling and drinking-spree in public places such as cockpit/horse racing arena, casinos, bars, clubs and other similar dens whether on or off duty,” said Rojas.
He said all investigation and intelligence units will start conducting surveillance and inspections on “all gambling arena, casinos, bars, clubs and other ill-repute dens.”
Policemen who will be found violating the directive will be filed with proper charges, whether administrative or criminal.
Rojas is the second highest PNP official after Director General Alan Purisima, who is now embroiled in corruption controversies.
He added that policemen should not forget that they are public officials mandated to lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income.
“They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form,” he said.
Stressing a National Police Commission (Napolcom) directive to all policemen, Rojas also cited an order under a Napolcom memorandum circular prohibiting policemen “to engage in regulated gambling or game of chance, while on duty; and be drunk and disorderly while on off duty, or drunk while on duty and in uniform or in recognizable uniform of the police force.”
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