More policemen may soon be dismissed from service as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde has ordered its Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to fast-track the resolution of complaints against erring cops.
Albayalde on Monday said he had ordered the IAS, the PNP’s internal watchdog, to expedite the administrative cases filed against policemen accused of wrongdoing not only to sentence them through suspension and dismissal but also to give them due process.
“Yes actually kinausap ko na ‘yung IAS, ‘yung deputy (inspector general) natin sa IAS…para makita lahat ng cases. We will expedite these cases not only for punishment alone but also to give due process also. ‘Di naman porket na-charge ka ay guilty ka na,” Albayalde said in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
(I have spoken with IAS’ deputy inspector general so we can see all the cases. We will expedite these cases not only for punishment alone but also to give due process also. Not because you were charged you’re automatically guilty.)
“‘Yung talagang alam naman natin na may kasalanan, we have to be fast really kung talagang kailangan suspendihin, suspendihin na namin, kung kailangan i-dismiss sa serbisyo, idi-dismiss na natin outright,” he added.
(Those whom we know have committed offenses, we have to be fast really if they have to be suspended, we need to suspend them; if they need to be dismissed from service, let’s dismiss them outright.)
Albayalde, who vowed to enforce strict discipline among police ranks, said that he would not think twice in dismissing police officials, even generals, if they indeed committed offenses and do not change their bad habits.
“Kung sinasabi mong if you expect marami pang [madi-dismiss], I think so, kung talagang hindi magbago ‘yung tao namin on the ground. Not only suspension, not only dismissal but also relieve from the commanders on the ground, including regional directors if needed,” he said.
(If you’re saying that if you expect a lot more policemen would be dismissed, I think so, if our ground troops do not change their habits.)
In his speech during his first PNP flag-raising ceremony as chief, Albayalde said the PNP’s internal cleansing program is “drastic but necessary” and “difficult but doable” and would be the “hallmark” of his administration. /je