The morale of the police remains high amid criticisms being hurled at the Philippine National Police (PNP) due to the involvement of a cop in a gruesome shooting incident in Paniqui, Tarlac.
PNP Spokesperson BGen. Ildebrandi Usana said they are open to criticism but assured that they will continue to serve their function which can be proven by their recent achievements.
The PNP appealed to the public to avoid generalizing all police personnel due to the misconduct of one of their men who is now facing double murder charges.
“Kung titingnan naman po nila ang bilang ng PNP, we are 221,000 strong members at wala pa ho itong bilang ng mga nag-commit ng violations to even 5 percent (Looking at the number of PNP, we are 221,000 strong members and those who committed violations are not even at 5 percent),” Usana pointed at.
Usana assured that the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is now investigating the administrative cases against Senior MSgt. Jonel Nuezca. The result may be released in the coming days.
Following the incident, the PNP is now eyeing the conduct of a neuro examination among cops every six months or one year to determine the “level of behavior of our police officers in the field.”
Usana also disclosed that the procurement process for body cameras to be used by police personnel is now ongoing. Once procured, these will be handed over to operatives to monitor lapses and efforts of the national police. – Report from Kenneth Paciente