While the truth hurts, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was not embarrassed to be labelled by President Duterte as a “perennial pain in the ass” because of “hard-headed” policemen.
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. John Bulalacao welcomed on Wednesday the President’s pronouncement and vowed to address the perpetual problem of policemen involved in crimes and other illegal activities.
“We are not supposed to be embarrass because this is the truth. Although truth hurts but this is an opportunity for us to show the President that we are doing our part and we will try to address this issue as soon as possible,” Bulalacao said in a press briefing.
In a speech in Davao on Monday, Duterte said he has high regard for members of the military but has a problems with the police.
“Alam mo, do not be offended but I’m okay with the Armed Forces. But I have a problem with the PNP and it does not begin today nor yesterday. It has been a perennial pain in the ass ever since. Sa Manila lang naman, Manila lang,” he said.
While the PNP has gained respect from the public, this could not be sustained because of the issues some policemen would get involved in every now and then, Duterte said.
“There seems to be a breakdown there. I don’t know what causes them to be derelicts. But the problem is the perception. Although it has gained the traction of respect from the Filipino people, hindi ma-sustain ‘yung momentum (the momentum cannot be sustained) because every now and then, may mga pulis na talagang matigas (there are hard headed policemen),” he added.
Bulalacao said the PNP would continue to implement its “internal cleansing” to get rid of errant policemen.
PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has ordered the dismissal of 398 police officers involved in illegal drug activities and crimes such as murder and rape.
He also ordered the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to impose disciplinary actions on 1,216 other erring police officers.
READ: PNP fires 398 errant cops; 1,216 others get disciplinary actions