Clean the ranks

The policeman caught on video slapping a public bus driver has been relieved from duty. Whatever the reason of the policeman was, it was outright wrong to hurt the driver, hence the sanction. Six policemen in Bacoor, Cavite, were also relieved, when 23 inmates they were supposed to be guarding escaped. Again, inexcusable. But what does it exactly mean to be relieved from duty? Is it just being moved to another location or station? Are they being ordered to stay in Camp Crame pending investigation? Are they being sent to Mindanao for re-training?

Now, 38 policemen from the Western Bicutan Community Precinct 1, including the station commander were relieved after four policemen from the station were involved in a kidnap-for-ransom operation. They allegedly took a couple from their home, and upon releasing one, demanded P200,000 for the release of the partner. One of them was killed when a gun battle between them and members of SWAT and Taguig police ensued during an entrapment operation. The entire police station is being investigated to determine if anyone else was involved in criminal activity. It is extremely difficult to believe that the other policemen were not aware of the nefarious activities of their companions at the station.

Here in Cebu, an anti-drug policeman was killed after an alleged assassination attempt on a barangay councilman. The policeman was killed by the councilor’s bodyguards. But now, the tables are being turned on the councilor himself, as the police are accusing him and his bodyguards of killing the officer, who was a member of the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Parian Police Station. Does the incident smell of a botched extrajudicial killing? Is the councilor suspected of being involved in illegal drugs, which in these times is enough for the “death squads” to heed the call of their master? The plot thickens, so to speak.

What is happening to the PNP? Why, after their salaries have been doubled this year, are we still hearing of crimes such as kidnap-for-ransom operations and extortion activities? Incidents of misdoings and crimes committed by those who swore to “serve and protect” seem to occur on a weekly basis. But it is a relief to know that the PNP is making good its claim to clean their ranks of the scalawags and filth, which is paramount to having a good, trusted police force. The people are just powerless against bad policemen.

But if police officers break the law, shouldn’t they be fired from the service? How can one still be considered a police officer if already involved in a crime? Is transferring erring cops enough? While administrative cases take years, these officers are still on active status. Some even continue committing crimes or misdeeds, with the public paying the price. This is something lawmakers must look into. The PNP may need to change existing policies and procedures when dealing with errant officers.

To serve and protect, remember?