Cop-turned-lawmaker finds PNP wanting

The recent rash of crimes in Metro Manila and other parts of the country is proof of the failure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement an anticriminality program that works, according to a party-list lawmaker.

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Samuel Pagdilao said the growing crime incidence in urban centers should prompt the PNP to review its crime prevention policies and get the public involved in crime-fighting efforts.

“The rising criminality in our country today only shows that the crime prevention program of the PNP is not effective,” Pagdilao told reporters at Camp Crame on Tuesday.

Pagdilao, who led the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Community Investigative Support (CIS) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), also underscored the importance of the community’s role in battling crime.

He noted that during his time as CIDG chief, the PNP’s primary investigative arm involved volunteer groups by organizing CIS chapters in the provinces.

Interestingly, Pagdilao used the CIS as a vehicle to win a seat in Congress in the May 2013 elections after he retired from the service.

“The police should address this rising tide of criminality by turning to the public for help. They should also turn to themselves and evaluate their current program and personnel,” he said.

“If the public supports the PNP, I don’t see any reason why crimes cannot be prevented,” he added.

Instead of reviving the death penalty law, Pagdilao said the government should ensure the speedy resolution of crimes and cases filed in courts.

“Our justice system should effectively dispense justice to the victims and punish those who violate our laws. If we can immediately arrest and convict those who committed crimes, that could be a good deterrent against crimes,” he stressed.