Drop boxes also for tips vs corrupt officials – DILG

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) neighborhood informant system “drop box” can also be used to report corrupt local officials, not only drug personalities, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy yesterday said.

In an interview over radio station DZMM, Cuy also said that those who wish to provide the police with names of those involved in illegal drugs and other illegal activities can do so by dropping the names and other information in the drop box.

Cuy said those who will provide the police with names do not need to provide authorities with detailed information.

There is no need (to provide us with complete information) but it will depend on who is being complained about,” Cuy said in Tagalog.

He said there are four objectives for the drop boxes – drugs, corruption, criminality, and violent extremism. “The most important part right now is violent extremism. Complaints can also be against the barangay captain, for lapses in local projects; on against policemen who are involved in illegal activities,” he said.

Cuy said having a “drop box” is one way of protecting the identity of possible complainants.

“Iyung mga nagsusumbong protection lang ho kasi na minsan ayaw nila magpakilala. Syempre baka delikado rin sa buhay nila (This is a form of protection to those who complain because they also don’t to be identified),” Cuy said.

Cuy, in the same interview, said that having the drop boxes which can also be called “suggestion box” is just one of the many ways where the public can air their complaints against authorities.

He said the public can also report erring officials or drug personalities via phone, email or a personal visit to any member of the Masa Masid (Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Ilegal na Droga) group. The names will be verified,” Cuy said.

Earlier, an international human rights group lambasted the PNP for putting up the “drop box” system. According to the Human Rights Watch, the “drop box” system, could result in abuses committed by the police.

The “drop box” system was first used in Quezon City.

The DILG has ordered the use of drop boxes in provincial, city, municipal, and barangay halls. (With a report from Chito Chavez)