Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said today he is seriously considering suggestions on subjecting all police personnel to regular neuro-psychiatric tests.
The recommendations arose after a gruesome incident involving Police Master Sgt. Hensie Zinampan, who was caught on video fatally shooting his neighbor Lilybeth Valdez, 52, in Barangay Greater Fairview, Quezon City, on May 31. The suspect is in police custody, slapped with criminal and administrative charges.
Calls for the neuro-psychiatric assessment of PNP personnel were amplified because of a similar incident which happened in December last year involving former policeman Jonel Nuezca, who shot and killed his neighbors Sonia and Frank Anthony Gregorio in Paniqui, Tarlac.
“The PNP will study this recommendation of subjecting our personnel to regular psychiatric assessments or tests. Personally, I acknowledge that there is really a need to prioritize this given the nature of our duty,” Eleazar said.
But the PNP chief admitted that the healthcare services of the organization have limitations.
“Dapat nabibigyan din po ng pansin ang trauma risk management ng aming organisasyon. However, I would also have to admit the limitations, at present, in our healthcare capacities and services. Pag-aaralan po naming mabuti kung paanong magagawang regular ang neuro-psychiatric tests sa lahat ng ating kapulisan,” he said.
Eleazar added, “Until then, our police commanders who observe signs of emotional imbalance or mental disorder in their men should immediately refer them for neuro-psychiatric evaluation through their respective health units. This way we can help them cope and heal and avoid being a danger to themselves and others.”
He assured that the PNP will explore possible partnerships with groups, institutions, and facilities advocating the importance of mental health.
According to Eleazar, aside from their physical health, the police personnel’s mental health should also be well taken care of.
“We will also assess if we could enter into partnerships with mental health institutions so that we can also take good care of the mental health of our personnel. Hindi lamang po pisikal na pangangatawan ang dapat naming pangalagaan para makapagsilbi ng maayos sa publiko, kung hindi pati na rin ang aming mental health,” he said. (PNP-PIO) – jlo
