Fire trigger-happy cops – Lacson

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said Wednesday the seven trigger-happy policemen who were apprehended for firing their guns during the holiday break should be given the boot.

Lacson, who went hard after rogue cops when he headed the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 1999 to 2001, said these policemen were "scumbags" who showed no regard for life.

"What if someone got hit and died, or paralyzed? Damn these scumbags! They have no purpose in life, really. Give them the boot ASAP (as soon as possible), Chief," he said.

Lacson, chairman of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee, was making the call on PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde.

He also stressed the need for the PNP to sustain its internal cleansing efforts, pointing out that rogue cops "do not deserve to stay a minute longer in the police service."

On New Year's Day, Albayalde said the seven police officers now face administrative cases for indiscriminate firing during the holidays.

The PNP said the seven were among 23 "trigger-happy gun holders", who are now facing charges for firing their guns between Dec. 16 and early morning of Jan. 1.

Albayalde said the 23 gun holders were involved in 26 reported incidents of illegal discharge of firearms in revelry.

Other than the seven policemen, also arrested were two government officials, one soldier, 10 civilians, two security guards, and one law enforcement agent, the PNP said.

Lacson had deplored the abuses committed by some PNP personnel despite an unprecedented salary increase for military and uniformed personnel, in compliance with Joint Resolution No. 1.

With such benefits, he said "there is every reason for right-thinking police officers to love and secure their profession, not to mention to be motivated enough to show a debt of gratitude to their Commander-in-Chief (President Duterte) who made an almost impossible legislation to pass."