MANILA – A lawmaker on Wednesday urged new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. to prioritize "internal cleansing" and put its affairs in order.
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. assured that Acorda will get his support in solving issues affecting the integrity of the PNP.
"Kailangang unahin ni Chief PNP Acorda na isaayos ang institusyon at kasama niya kami dito (Chief PNP Acorda needs to fix the institution first and we are with him)," Revilla said.
He said the bad elements in the PNP “should be weeded out immediately."
"Ilan lang 'yang mga masasama sa organisasyon at hindi na dapat lalo pang makapanira (There's just a few bad apples in the organization and should not be allowed to cause further damage)," he said.
During the series of hearings conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to look into Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo's killing, it was brought up that some members of the PNP in the province have apparently become subservient to politicians and their interests.
"Kailangan natin ibalik ang tiwala ng publiko sa ating pulisya. Wala namang matatakbuhan ang ating mga kababayan para sa peace and order, kaya dapat iayos natin pare-pareho at ibangon ang institusyon (We need to bring back the public trust on the police. Our people have no one to relyon for the peace and order, that's why we need to fix and help the institution rise again)," Revilla urged.
"That can only happen if there is transparency and accountability. Panagutin ang mga dapat managot (Hold accountable those who must be held accountable)," he added.
Revilla mentioned the upcoming inquiry of the same committee chaired by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa to look into the alleged cover-up inthe PHP6.7 billion drug operation conducted last year where police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. was arrested in Tondo, Manila and was found in possession of 990 kilos of shabu.
Revilla recently filed Senate Resolution No. 564 directing the proper Senate committees to conduct the probe.
In his speech during the change of command ceremony held on Monday at Camp Crame, Acorda vowed to continue cleansing PNP ranks.
“To my predecessor, Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., thank you for the wisdom and exceptional legacy you have imparted in the organization. Rest assured, Sir, that I will continue your advocacy in cleansing the PNP,” Acorda said.
Acorda said no police officer should ever be involved in the illegal drugs.
“You will be charged and removed from the service. This is my warning to each and every one of you. Our fight will be holistic in prevention and aggressive in operations,” he said. (PNA)
