Abu Sayyaf, military, conflict, Mindanao, armed group

Can “spiritual guidance” set things right for erring police personnel?

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Supt. Joel Pagdilao thinks so, as he tapped religious counselors to talk to police personnel with administrative cases, and their families, under a “Gabayan” (guidance) program.

Pagdilao, who implemented the program when assumed his post last year, called for its strict implementation in the wake of recent reports of the involvement of some Quezon City policemen in alleged criminal activities such as robbery-extortion (“hulidap”).

In a statement, Pagdilao said such incidents “erode public trust” and “stymie the QCPD’s momentum in its anticriminality efforts.”

Pagdilao said the “Gabayan” program would help in the “development of ethical standard and values formation” among the ranks.

He said the program would include a series of family counseling sessions, personnel seminars and up to seven “pastoral visits” from the district’s chaplain and volunteers.

Under the program, different station commanders and office chiefs will recommend to the QCPD Chief Directorial Staff the personnel who may need to undergo counseling based on administrative cases directly or indirectly affecting their family life; those with habitual offenses like neglect of duty; those subject of complaints for nonsupport and domestic violence; and other matters involving ethics and moral issues. Jaymee T. Gamil