Palma offers to help relieved cops
The Archdiocese of Cebu is willing to assist the Police Regional Office (Police Regional Office) 7 in fostering moral recovery for police officers that were found to have been involved in illegal activities.
“We can collaborate with them (police) on the best way that we can help in their moral recovery,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
Palma made the commitment after hearing that 65 police officers from Talisay City were relieved of their post over allegations that most of them were involved in illegal drugs.
Of the 65 relieved police officers, one was found positive of illegal drug use while eight investigators admitted to stealing suspected shabu they confiscated from various operations.
Palma told SunStar Cebu that he was saddened over the relief of the 65 police officers especially since some of them may have been relieved because of the faults of others.
He urged the PRO 7 to thoroughly conduct an investigation on the relieved personnel and clear them of any liability if they are found faultless.
Palma also urged the public not to be judgmental of the 65 relieved police officers and not immediately accuse them of being in cahoots with criminals.
He also reminded the public that the fight against criminality and the prevention of illegal drugs is not only exclusive to the police.
“Our prayer is that all of us should work individually in pushing the cause for a drug-free society,” Palma added.
In reaction, the 7 is open to Palma’s offer.
“Mapasalamaton kaayo mi ana
kon maka-assist sila (We’d be so thankful if they can assist us),” said Supt. Reyman Tolentin, the PRO 7 information officer.
PRO 7 Director Debold Sinas said he is happy to hear Palma’s statement and promised to visit the prelate to discuss the matter.
“Ang spiritual upbringing kinahanglan gyod natong i-update (We need to update our spiritual upbringing),” he said.
Sinas last Sunday relieved 65 personnel of Talisay City Police Station after receiving reports about their involvement in illegal drugs.
Eight of the relieved cops admitted stealing packs of shabu from previous operations in Talisay City, while another officer tested positive of drug use.
Sinas ordered investigations on these officers who will be dismissed from the service if proven guilty.
This is not the first time that the Archdiocese of Cebu is offering its services for the moral recovery of accused persons.
Months after the Philippine National Police waged a bloody war against illegal drugs, Palma launched the Cebu Archdiocesan Program for Drug Dependents (CAPDD) as a way to address the increasing number of drug surrenderers who were willing to avail themselves of rehabilitation and aftercare services.
Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas said he was saddened that innocent police officers assigned in his city were included in those relieved by PRO 7.
Gullas told SunStar Cebu that while he long knew that some police officers assigned in his city were involved in illegal drugs, majority of them were innocent and worked hard to ensure Talisay’s peace and order.
But he also supports the PRO 7’s initiative in reassigning the city’s police officers as a way to help end the drug menace plaguing Talisay City.
We can collaborate with them (police) on the best way that we can help in their moral recovery. JOSE PALMA
Cebu Archbishop
Ang spiritual upbringing
kinahanglan gyod natong
i-update (We need to update our spiritual upbringing).
DEBOLD SINAS
PRO 7 Director