PNP officers urged to shun adventurism

MANILA, Philippines —  Amid rumors of destabilization attempts against the administration, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has rallied police officers against resorting to adventurism.

Acorda made the statement as he appealed for unity at an event attended by ranking police officials.

“I’m urging you again, we must always uphold the rule of law and be united, if only to keep our country, to keep our republic, to keep our democracy moving,” Acorda said in his message during the New Year’s call at Camp Crame on Wednesday.

“We have accomplished so much. Let us avoid adventurism,” he added.

Acorda reminded police officers about the bloody 1989 coup d’etat against former president Corazon Aquino that left at least 99 people dead and over 500 wounded.

He talked about the tank on display at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, which was immobilized during the coup.

He said the driver of the tank was among the people killed during the revolt against Aquino. What is lamentable is that he was shot by his own brother and fellow soldier.

“Never again will a soldier or a brother point his rifle to another brother or another soldier,” Acorda said.

Acorda stressed that members of the uniformed service should never be used for political ends while reminding police officers to always uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency and accountability in all their actions.

Taking a proactive stance to weed out scalawags among its ranks, the PNP reported Thursday that up to 985 police officers were dismissed from service due to involvement in illegal drugs and other grave offenses under the administration of President Marcos.

The figure represents about 0.42 percent of the 232,000-strong police force and among the 3,932 PNP personnel who were sanctioned for various offenses.

The PNP said 108 of the violators were kicked out from its ranks due to involvement in illegal drugs. Of the number, 65 were found to be drug users.

With their dismissal, Acorda said the former police officers are not entitled to benefits from the government.

Macanas case

Acorda said he would not withdraw the criminal complaints filed against Johnny Macanas Sr. even if the retired military officer turned vlogger has edited portions of his reel, which discussed a supposed ouster plot against President Marcos.

Acorda said he is leaving the issue to the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on whether there is probable cause to indict Macanas for violation of cybercrime laws.

He said Macanas should not have used his photograph in the vlog as it insinuated that he is among those who are urging Marcos to step down.

Being a former military officer, Macanas should have known better, Acorda said.

“We should give some respect to our uniform and to the authority given to the police, do not make fun of it,” he said.

Acorda filed cases against Macanas for using the police chief’s photograph in a vlog where the ex-military man tackled a supposed destabilization plot against Marcos.