DISCRIMINATORY. A tarpaulin poster put up by the Sorsogon City Police Station and the Sorsogon City Advisory Council lists teachers as among possible suspects for rape and sexual harassment acts in this undated photo. PNP chief, Gen Guillermo Eleazar has apologized to teachers who may have been offended by the poster which has since been taken down. (Photo courtesy of Sorsogon Journal)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday apologized to teachers who may have been offended by a tarpaulin poster that was put up by police officers in Sorsogon as part of an information drive against sexual abuse.
Netizens cried foul over the tarpaulin put up by the Sorsogon City Police Station and the Sorsogon City Advisory Council sometime in March of this year which particularly mentioned teachers as among those who could possibly be involved in rape and sexual harassment.
“While I fully understand that the intention of the information drive is noble, it is clearly discriminatory and insulting to our teachers who have been working hard especially in this time of pandemic and who have been serving as the second parents of our children,” Eleazar said in a statement.
He also called the move “discriminatory” and “insulting” and reminded all PNP personnel to be mindful of the possible outcomes of their actions and programs in the community.
He also said all postings made by police stations, whether in print or on social media, should always be reviewed thoroughly.
Citing information from the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, Eleazar said the tarpaulins were already removed.
The local police also coordinated with officials from the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to discuss the matter.
Eleazar said while the Sorsogon City Police Station has apologized for the incident, he asked its officials to submit an explanation.
He also expressed hope that the incident would not adversely affect the ties between police officers and teachers in the common goal of attaining peace in society. (PNA)
