PARTNERSHIP. PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (2nd from right, seated) and PSMBFI president and chief executive officer Chiquito Malayo (2nd from left) show a copy of the signed memorandum of agreement between the two entities at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday (Feb. 26, 2024). The agreement provides for a legal assistance program for police officers facing charges in relation to the performance of their duties. (Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI) joined forces to provide legal assistance to police officers facing cases in relation to the performance of their duties.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. and PSMBFI president and chief executive officer Chiquito Malayo signed on Monday the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the measure at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, the PNP Public Information Office said in a news release Tuesday.
Acorda said this partnership aims to address the various risks faced by law enforcement officers which include not only physical harm but also the financial burden of legal proceedings.
"The essence of this agreement harmonizes seamlessly with our mission to uphold the morale and welfare of our dedicated men and women in uniform. It is heartening to witness the private sector, represented by PSMBFI, actively participating in corporate social responsibility endeavors that directly impact the well-being of our personnel," he added.
Under the MOA, the PSMBFI has developed a dedicated legal and travel assistance program which will be launched in March.
The group also established a program fund to provide financial support to police officers dealing with service-related cases and to cover travel expenses for prosecution witnesses.
A portion of the fund would also be allocated to enhance the capabilities of the PNP Legal Service.
The PSMBFI would also commit an additional PHP240 million over the next five years to sustain the program. (PNA)
