Solon proposes inquiry on PNP-Internal Affairs Service

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker is seeking to look into the performance of the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) due to the growing involvement of police force members in various crimes.

 

Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez filed House Resolution 1495, saying that Congress should check if the PNP-IAS is doing its role to instill discipline in the police force.

 

"Our police force members who are supposed to be the keepers of peace and order, promoters of public safety and enforcers of the law are the ones who are involved in the most dreadful crimes," Benitez said.

 

Benitez cited the kidnapping-robbery incident on EDSA involving 10 active members of the police force.

 

He also cited the extortion-kidnapping crimes wherein the suspects are police officers such as in the case of Korean tourist Chong Yong Woo and Chinese businessman Lin Jan Zhang. A police officer is also tagged as the hired gunman in the high profile murder case of race car driver Enzo Pastor.

 

READ: 6 QC cops face raps for EDSA kidnapping | DOJ pushes murder raps vs Enzo 'gunman' despite retraction

 

Republic Act 8551 or the "PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998" created the PNP-IAS as a "self-regulatory mechanism that shall keep the force in line by instilling discipline and pro-actively conduct inspections, audits, investigations and evaluation of characters on PNP personnel."

 

It is the responsibility of the Congress to ensure that RA 8551 is being properly implemented, Benitez said.

 

For more proposed measures in the House of Representatives, visit our Bill Tracker.