BACOLOD CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde directed ground commanders in Western Visayas to conduct “surprise visits” like what he had been doing before.
“Yes, I gave a directive. The regional director (Chief Supt. Cesar Binag) himself is doing it. If I’ll be the one to do it, I can’t really go around the country by myself,” he said.
The PNP chief visited this city on Sunday and presided over a command conference and met with the police force led by Binag and provincial director, Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters in Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr.
Albayalde pointed out that a directive was issued to the chiefs of police, including municipal, city and provincial directors, to conduct their own inspections.
He said that if policemen will be found sleeping or texting on duty, not only these personnel will be relieved from their posts, but also their immediate supervisor and chief of police.
“I told them during my visit earlier this will be the last time that I’m giving a warning. Next time, they would already be relieved or suspended,” he added.
Albayalde, former National Capitol Region Police Office chief, reprimanded police officers found sleeping in their stations, and sending text messages while being deployed on the streets.
After meeting the PNP personnel here, Albayalde proceeded to the neighboring Talisay City for the launching of the Vista Alegre Homes in Barangay Dos Hermanas implemented under The New Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)/Philippine National Police (PNP) Housing Program.
The laying of the time capsule and the ground-breaking ceremony was led by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Albayalde said 450 police officers in Negros Occidental will be among the 1,000 uniformed personnel who will benefit from the government housing project.
“Now, with the increase in salary and these kinds of benefits, the police are really glad. I’m sure we will be more motivated to fulfill our duties and responsibilities as policemen,” he added. (PNA)
