Cleansing the PNP of Some Erring Members Remains Top Priority — PNP Chief

Internal cleansing is given much attention and efforts under my term.

This is what Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde said in his message delivered by Police Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa during the 117th Police Service Anniversary held at the Camp Kangleon, this municipality.

Albayalde said this year’s anniversary theme, “Pagbabago sa hanay ng pulisya, hatid ay ligtas na pamayanan sa kuropsiyon, krimen at illegal na droga,” reflects the direction that the PNP is taking in the months ahead.

“Kaya, pagbabago sa hanay ng pulisya ang ating tema ng pagdiriwang na ito, at sisiguraduhin nating mabibigyan ito ng sapat na atensyon at aksiyon,” Albayalde said.

“As we have seen these past months, our achievements have sometimes been overshadowed by the involvement of some PNP personnel in illegal activities including the illegal drug trade,” he added.

He said the police have already achieved remarkable gains, resulting from relentless anti-drug and other crime prevention operations, and they could have achieved more if not for the involvement of some personnel in illegal acts.

Thus, Gamboa reiterated that in order to win back the trust of the public, the cleansing must start from inside.

“To some extent, the community must be convinced that the PNP is doing its best to rid out bad eggs in the organization,” Gamboa said.

“I’m also the chairman of the internal cleansing, it’s a challenge on my part to really cleanse the PNP,” Gamboa added.

Gamboa told the Philippine Information Agency that with the continuing internal cleansing efforts of the PNP, they are coming up with a new program.

“The Chief PNP has just signed a three-pronged approach: Prevent those who have not committed illegal activities yet and identify those who are vulnerable; Punish those who have committed; and Restore, by giving a chance to other police officers who committed slight offenses who could still be restored,” Gamboa elaborated.

The officer, who served as guest of honor during the anniversary celebration, led the awarding to the PNP personnel and police stations in Eastern Visayas in recognition for the outstanding and dedicated service to the entire PNP and the country. (LDL/PIA-8)