PNP needs foreign aid to train cops ‘how to obey law’, respect rights – Koko

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III believes it may be high time for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to seek foreign assistance to teach its men the basics of police work, respect for human rights, and “how to obey the law.”

On Tuesday, Pimentel called on “friendly” nations to offer training courses to the PNP to help improve its competence, specifically its skills in solving crimes.

In particular, the Senate leader wants to secure the assistance of “friendly” countries with highly-regarded police forces such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and other members of the European Union.

“The country continues to suffer from ‘deaths under investigation’ without seeing suspects arrested, charged, and sentenced in court. If the PNP cannot improve itself, it should consider outside assistance,” he said in a statement.

“Maybe we can bring in experts from truly professional police forces such as the Scotland Yard or the FBI to teach our policemen the basics of police work, respect for human rights, and how to obey the law,” he added.

Pimentel, a chief ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, has been critical of the PNP’s performance, which he feels “compromises” the administration’s war on drugs and crime.

In fact, the Senate leader had previously called out the PNP for its “inability” to solve crimes and the reported involvement of its members in perpetrating crimes.

READ: Pimentel fed up with killings: Where’s ‘modern, professional, capable’ PNP?

“We increased the salaries of policemen. We approved funds for training police officers. We made sure the PNP budget is sufficient. We want to see the PNP deliver on its end of the bargain. Make us feel safe. Catch criminals. Solve crime,” Pimentel pointed out.

Pimentel was among those who pushed for the passage of the measure that increased the base pay of military, police, and uniformed personnel.                                  /kga