IMEG ANNIVERSARY. PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa (left) delivers his speech during the first anniversary of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group in Camp Crame on Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2020). Activated in 2019, IMEG is the primary unit in charge of information gathering and operations against erring police personnel. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
MANILA -- The anti-scalawag unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed charges against 77 persons in various police operations on its first year.
During the PNP-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG)'s first anniversary celebration on Wednesday, IMEG chief, Col. Ronald Lee said those criminally charged include 38 civilians, six police commissioned officers (PCO), 32 police non-commissioned officers (PNCO) while one non-uniformed personnel was administratively charged before the PNP's Internal Affairs Service (IAS) in connection with their involvement in illegal activities.
The arrested civilians were cohorts of erring police personnel.
Also, one retired policeman was killed in an operation after resisting arrest by operatives.
IMEG operatives also seized cash worth over PHP1 million, 22 assorted firearms, 35 gun magazines and 29.81 grams of shabu worth PHP200,000.
Lee said the occasion's theme "Dedikasyon, Disiplina, Serbisyo" inspires them to do better in upholding discipline and righteousness in the police service.
“Let it be our banner in pursuing the mandate of IMEG and transform PNP personnel into the service-oriented police force, cloaked with integrity, trusted and respected by the community,” said Lee.
In his speech, PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, recognized the importance of the unit to the internal cleansing efforts of the PNP.
"I urge you to be steadfast and belligerent against erring PNP personnel. This is our way of institutionalizing our efforts against rogue cops and cleansing our ranks. Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. A strengthened police force with a good service reputation will lead to an effective police administration and operations. It will create a situation where public confidence in the PNP will reach tremendous heights,” Gamboa said.
Currently, the IMEG enhanced its capability through the issuance of various firearms and ammunitions such as 10 Emtan 5.56 basic assault rifles, among others.
Activated in 2019 under the term of former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde, IMEG is the primary unit in charge of information gathering and operations against erring police personnel.
It replaced the Counter-Intelligence Task Force that was established in 2017. (PNA)
