PNP chief takes swipe at ‘coward policemen’

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa yesterday took a swipe at ‘coward policemen,’ as 821 police trainees of Negros Island Region and Western Visayas have volunteered to be assigned in Marawi City after their training.

Dela Rosa—who spoke at the recognition rites of police trainees of Police Regional Offices 6 (Western Visayas) and 18 (Negros Island Region) in Bago City, Negros Occidental—reminded them that they could be assigned anywhere in the Philippine archipelago as a police officer.

“You are the Police Officer 1 not of Bacolod or Iloilo City Police Offices, Regions 6 or 18, but the PO1 of the PNP, who are willing to serve and offer his life in the service of the country,” dela Rosa said. “Ang pinaka ayaw ko sa pulis ay yong duwag “I don’t want a policeman who is a coward,” he said.

On June 18, about 50 NPA rebels raided the Maasin Police Station in Iloilo province, and took 15 firearms, including 11 M16 rifles, without firing a single shot. The rebels also handcuffed policemen, who were on duty.

The incident led to the relief of Senior Superintendent Harold Tuzon as provincial police director of Iloilo, as well as the entire police force of Maasin Police Station, including its police chief.

“Ang pinaka ayaw ko sa pulis yong ibigay lang ang armas. Hindi man lang lumaban,” said dela Rosa. “If there is a fight or war, you should fight. Don’t be afraid. Huwag ninyong ipahiya ang PNP. Do the best you can do in the name of the service,” he told the training graduates.

The attack at the Maasin Police Station in Iloilo last Sunday was described by some as an embarrassment to the PNP, as it was done by the NPA without firing a single shot.

Dela Rosa also issued a stern warning against those police officers who may deviate from their mandated jobs.

“We, as police officers, should render service to the people and enforce the law. We join the police service not to get rich, or serve as protectors of organized crime groups. If you do it, I will be your enemy. I will take it as a personal crusade against you,” he added. (FREEMAN)