ShareThisMANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday welcomed the Senate hearing on the peace and order situation as an opportunity to advance the legislative measures needed to boost the police’s anti-crime efforts and the reform program as well.
”We see this also as the proper forum to ask for additional support from our legislators and the community. We also look forward to the hearing to be conducted by the counterpart House Committee on the matter,” said PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo.
“We view the investigations and hearings conducted by our legislative bodies as opportune venues to discuss actions taken and determine legislative solutions that can provide the legal backbone for more stringent and effective anti-crime programs,” added Bacalzo.
At present, the PNP is fazed with the challenge of rising criminality, particularly in Metro Manila where high-profile killings victimizing well-off individuals were recently committed. Car traders Emerson Lozano, son of lawyer Oliver Lozano, and Venson Evangelista were brutally killed last week.
The burnt bodies of Lozano and Evangelista were recovered one after the other in Pampanga and Cabanatuan City, respectively. The charred body of Lozano’s driver, Ernane Sensil, was also recovered in Tarlac.
Also, the PNP is still reeling from the controversies brought about by the involvement of several of its personnel into criminal cases ranging from rape to murder.
”Our priority actions in solving these cases involve two major areas. On the short-term, we are conducting intensive investigations, and following major leads to catch the perpetrators,” said Bacalzo.
”For the long-term, we have stepped up our re-training programs, particularly on the basics of police procedures, even as we have also provided advanced training programs for various specializations such as investigation, human rights desk operations, and police unit operations,” added Bacalzo.
On the involvement of its personnel into unscrupulous activities, Bacalzo said the PNP leadership is now reviewing the procedures on recruitment, as well as reinforcing the standards for recruitment and promotion. The support system for operations is also undergoing continued development.
Bacalzo also stressed that the PNP leadership is not remiss in its attempt to boost the morale of its 137,000 personnel through various programs.
”Morale and welfare have also been addressed with sustained programs in housing, health and benefits, including the full release of the 2010 Christmas bonus,” said Bacalzo.
”We have also enforced intensified police patrols, particularly in high traffic centers. We have also directed all regional and operational units to deploy all personnel for increased visibility to deter criminal activity and allay fears of a crime wave,” said Bacalzo.