ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) here has involved the community in choosing personnel who would handle anti-drug operations, Iloilo City Police director, Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas, said Tuesday.
The issue on credibility was raised against the PNP, Biñas said, noting that this was why it was relieved of its role in the anti-drug campaign.
However, the Western Visayas Police has devised a strategy to address the concern after President Rodrigo Duterte again ordered the police’s return to the drug war.
Western Visayas Police regional director, Chief Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag has introduced community vetting where, through a survey, they could give information as to who among the former drug operatives have questionable credibility.
The initiative received a commendation from Malacanang, he said.
Of the estimated 50 members of the defunct City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) from the five stations in the city, 42 have passed the screening.
“Everybody, even me, I subject myself to validation. There is no excuse because the question here is the credibility of the police,” he explained.
He added that the 42 operatives completed their training over the weekend and they are just waiting for guidelines on when to begin their drug reduction drive.
While none of their former operatives elicited negative responses from the community, the Iloilo City Police decided to subject the rest to further evaluation, especially those they doubt.
They look forward to starting their operations first quarter of 2018. (PNA)
PNA photo by Perla Lena
