20 policemen under probe

CEBU, Philippines — At least 20 policemen are in hot water for improper conduct while on duty.

Cebu City Police Office Director Royina Garma said she personally caught the cops sleeping, playing billiards, using their phones, not in proper uniform, and/or using dirty uniform.

They also failed to keep their police station clean.

Garma inspected the stations in Pari-an, Abellana, Mabolo, Carbon, and Guadalupe randomly last weekend.

“Some of violations, hindi nakasumbrero, hindi naka-tuck-in ang uniform, marumi ang uniform, hindi naka-vest, ang iba natutulog talaga, ang iba naglalaro ng billiard, using their phones or reading newspapers… lahat ito pinagbawal natin, and some madumi yung post nila,” Garma said.

Garma said 10 of the 20 cops have been recommended for pre-charged evaluation, a venue where they can present their side. The rest have been directed to explain to their direct supervisors.Garma said these are the procedures undertaken before they will be administratively charged for neglect of duty. 

The station commanders will also be directed to explain, as they can also be charged administratively for failing to monitor their ranks.

Garma said that prior to the inspection last weekend, she recommended the suspension of four other cops for their failure to attend the inspection of the Regional Internal Affairs Service.

She said no less than PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde is putting emphasis on proper uniform and not using cellphones while on duty.

“Kapag mobile, mobile talaga; nandoon dapat sa post at nagpa-patrol, may blinking na vehicles, which signifies na ready sila sa anuman,” Garma said.

Police Regional Office - 7 Director Debold Sinas said the 20 cops will be made to undergo the PNP’s moral recovery program even as they are being investigated.

The program is a 30-day refresher course held at the PNP’s Regional Training Center. — JMO (FREEMAN)