‘Cowards have no place at PNP’

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines  – Saying policemen can be assigned anywhere across the country, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has reminded new recruits that cowards have no place in the PNP.

“You are Police Officer 1 not of Bacolod, Iloilo City, Region 6 or Region 18, but PO1 of the PNP who are willing to serve and offer his life in the service of the country,” Dela Rosa said during recognition rites  at the PNP Regional Training Center in Bago City yesterday.

“Ang pinaka ayaw ko sa pulis ay yung duwag…Ang pinaka ayaw ko sa pulis yong ibibigay lang ang armas. Hindi man lang lumaban (What I hate most are policemen who are cowards…Those who will just give up their arms and will not fight). If there is a fight or war, you should fight. Don’t be afraid. Huwag ninyong ipahiya ang PNP (Don’t embarrass the PNP), “ he said.

Dela Rosa said he was disappointed that 50 New People’s Army rebels who raided the police station in Maasin, Iloilo on June 18 took 15 firearms without firing a single shot. The rebels also handcuffed the policemen on duty.

“The willingness to fight is no longer there,” he said.

Dela Rosa visited the Maasin police station and talked to the policemen who were relieved from their posts following the incident.

Meanwhile, 821 new recruits in the Negros Island Region and Western Visayas reportedly volunteered to be assigned in Marawi City after their training.