Newly-appointed DILG officer in charge Eduardo Año. (Photo by JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS / INQUIRER.net)
Interior and Local Government officer in charge Eduardo Año on Tuesday said his leadership of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) would make the Philippine National Police (PNP) a disciplined force so it could wage a relentless war on drugs, crime and corruption.
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s turnover rites at the DILG, where he took over the post from Catalino Cuy, Año said any change in the image of the PNP would not merely be “cosmetic.”
“I spoke with PNP chief (Ronald) Dela Rosa and we agreed that the focus would be to make sure that we will make a disciplined PNP and we will improve the image of the PNP, not just the cosmetic but also the service,” he said in Filipino.
Changing image
He explained that values formation would be the focal point in changing the image of the country’s police force.
The PNP, he said, had chalked up many accomplishments, particularly the arrest of persons wanted for crimes.
He lamented that these “thousands” of accomplishments had not been highlighted by the media.
“What is highlighted are the few policemen who violated the rules of engagements and (incidents) where there were casualties caught in the crossfire,” he said.
In pursuing a change in the PNP’s image, Año said all aspects of recruitment and training, including values formation, would be reviewed.
Acting secretary
Año retired as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in October last year, and President Duterte then appointed him DILG undersecretary.
By law Año could not assume the post of secretary until a year after his retirement.
Last week, Mr. Duterte appointed him as officer in charge, or acting secretary, without the official title.
Año said his military experience might help influence personnel in the armed services, including the PNP and the other agencies under DILG supervision—Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection.
In his speech at the turnover rites, Año said: “Under my watch, the DILG will relentlessly and resolutely wage a campaign to rid the country of illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption. The threats of communism and violent extremism will also be met head-on.”
Año warned local civilian and police officials involved with crime groups that they would be “held accountable and will be dealt with uncompromisingly for violating our laws.”