Shape up or ship out, police commanders told

The Chief of the Philippine National Police has an ultimatum to police commanders failing in their jobs at peace and order: Shape up or ship out.

PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez gave this warning while making the rounds of police offices all over the country as part of their preparations in securing the May 2016 elections.

He recently visited the Calabarzon region, stopping over in the provinces of Cavite and Batangas this week.

Police officials who are failing in their sworn duty were challenged to just resign from the government service.

“If you cannot operate against these groups, I told them it’s time to resign, we have responsibilities as commander. We have missions to fulfill, we cannot just enjoy all the time,” Marquez said.

The PNP chief made the remarks after a mass wedding for police officers and their spouses in Camp Crame on Thursday.

Police commanders in problem areas are given one month to shape up and step up their game, as the PNP chief expects major arrests of criminal syndicates.

“You cannot just turn your back and close your eyes and allow these things to happen, because the leaders of the criminal gangs have been there for the longest time,” the PNP chief said.

Marquez expressed concern for Batangas because of its economic zone, and extortion attempts against businessmen.

“We are particularly concerned about Batangas because of the existence of criminal groups which victimize those based in the economic zone,” Marquez said. Julie M. Aurelio