No takers for Caloocan job among Davao cops – for now

DAVAO CITY (PNA) – Not a single Davao policeman heeded the call of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa for volunteers who would want to replace relieved members of the Caloocan City police.

But Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) Director Manuel Gaerlan said his men may have just been “ashamed to raise their hands” when PNP Chief issued them this request during the 116th Police Service Anniversary at the PRO 11 Office, Monday, in Camp Catitipan.

Gaerlan said he has yet to talk to the officers and men under him, but, this early, he clarified that not all the 1,000 vacancies in Caloocan will come from Davao.

“This will be a big displacement for Davao if all will come from Davao,” he told reporters Tuesday.

If there are no volunteers, Gaerlan said he has instructions from Dela Rosa to pick the police officers.

Gaerlan is eyeing commissioned and non-commissioned officers for possible re-assignment to Caloocan. “I have to talk to the police officers,” he said.

According to him, the PNP chief’s desire to get Davao cops was anchored on Dela Rosa’s trust in them. He added that he was also looking at the Regional Public Safety Battalion for possible volunteers to Caloocan.

“It is just a matter of explaining to them that it is just a short period of time...maybe three to six months,” he stressed.

Gaerlan assured that the benefits received by police in Davao was the same in other cities.

Gaerlan said that Davao cops who will be assigned to Caloocan, can be replaced from other units. He added there was also continuing recruitment in the PNP.

Gaerlan will also be glad to welcome Caloocan police if they will be transferred here.

During his speech at an event here, Dela Rosa cited the discipline of the Davao police officers and their dedication to work that proves that they are “the best policemen in the nation.”

“We have seen the standard of discipline in Davao,” Dela Rosa said.

For Davao City police, Dela Rosa said he will still seek the permission of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio if there are those who will be assigned to Caloocan.