The Philippine National Police (PNP) is open to enforcing some of the peace and order policies that presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte had implemented as mayor in Davao City.
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said the strict approach that the tough-talking mayor had adopted in his hometown may be used to curb crimes on a national scale.
“If this happened in Davao City and the crime volume or rate went down there, why not all over the country? On the part of the PNP, if that will help curb crimes, it will help our campaign against crime,” he said.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame on Thursday, Mayor cited some of these policies, among them the curfew, no-smoking and liquor ban.
He said the liquor ban from 1 a.m. onwards will help reduce drunken fights that result to cases of physical injuries.
On the other hand, the 10 p.m. curfew for minors will allow them to have adequate sleep and be better prepared for the next school day.
Mayor pointed out that there is no logical reason for youths to stay out late and be at risk of falling prey to criminal elements.
He said the government approach and the cooperation of the community are needed to ensure its smooth implementation.
“Once everybody is conscious of this policy, we will all follow. I think this is high time for us to show that we can follow this kind of policy. The bottom-line policy of our incoming president is discipline, and this can be taught down to our minors,” the PNP spokesperson said.
For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it respects the choice of the majority in electing Duterte, and that it is solid behind the Constitution and democratic institutions.
“We will follow our commander in chief and will implement the new president’s peace and security policies,” said Col. Noel Detoyato, public affairs office chief.
Acting AFP chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda declined to comment if the military will arrest National Democratic Front chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison should he return to the country.