NCRPO chief only has ‘tough love’ for his men on Valentine’s Day

NCRPO Chief P/Dir. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Valentine’s Day vowed to continue the tough love for his policemen “until police culture changes to an ideal one.”

After sobering up snoozers and boozers in the police force, Director Oscar Albayalde said on Wednesday the NCRPO would now also target “15-30” cops after receiving numerous complaints.

He explained that “15-30” is an umbrella term coined for absentee and moonlighting policemen. They appear only during announced personnel accounting and on paydays scheduled on the 15th and 30th of each month.

“Imagine, while they are being paid, these policemen are either staying in their houses, manning their businesses, or providing security escort services to casino financiers,” an irate Albayalde said.

He told the Inquirer that they have verified a case of a Police Officer 2 of the Manila Police District, who was not reporting for work in his station but still received his P30,867 monthly pay.

“He did not appear even if I already ordered him to report to work last Tuesday. He is now considered Awol (absent without leave),” Albayalde said.

He did not identify the policeman nor his specific unit assignment so as not to compromise the investigation.

His station commander would also be investigated, after they received reports that these “15-30” policemen were colluding with their superiors, who receive half of the absentee policemen’s pay.

“He may also be liable because he is not conducting physical accounting of his men,” he added.

Once proven, the police officer may face an administrative case, which could lead to suspension or dismissal from service.

“I want to remind them that if you are suspended, even just for a single day, your productivity bonus (P6,000 to P32,000) for the year will be forfeited,” Albayalde stressed.

Last week, the NCRPO chief relieved the former police chiefs of Pasay and Muntinlupa after founding their men asleep and having drinks inside their police precincts in a series of surprise inspections. He also relieved the head of San Juan City police for underperforming.

While most welcome his moves, a few called them “very strict.”

“Those who complain are the rogue cops or their wives. If they have issues, they can always go to our grievance desks,” he said.

Albayalde said the policemen facing complaints have “already [been] given so many chances.”

“Yes, it’s tough love. But what I am doing is not just because I like doing it; I am just implementing the rules and regulations of the organization they have sworn to abide,” he said.

“They have their salaries already doubled. We have to give the public the police service they deserve,” Albayalde said.

“We will continue to conduct surprise inspections day and night, until this police culture changes to an ideal one.”