Extra P60-subsistence allowance a boost to cops’ morale – PNP

MANILA, Philippines – Still reeling from the Mamasapano tragedy that affected the entire Philippine National Police, the additional P60 subsistence allowance is a “big boost to the morale” of the 150,000-strong organization, its spokesperson said.

“Of course we are happy. The PNP is thankful to the President for his concern (for) our welfare,” PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. told reporters on Monday.

This was after Malacañang confirmed that President Benigno Aquino III has approved the raise in the allowance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP personnel from P90 to P150.

Aquino signed last Friday a joint resolution by Congress increasing the subsistence allowance of all uniformed personnel including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,  Philippine National Police Academy cadets, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority members.

Public outrage against Aquino continued to grow after the January 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province that led to the killing of 44 policemen, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and four civilians.

Some personnel of the PNP also believed that Aquino was the most responsible for the carnage after he gave suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima the power to give orders in the bungled operation. AC