Police official apologizes for anti-PNPA remarks

DAVAO CITY – The chief of a police station here, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1992, has apologized for comparing graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to “substandard” factory products. 

Superintendent Matthew Baccay, chief of the Talomo police station, issued his apology in an interview with a local TV station, but did not comment further.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered Baccay’s relief last Tuesday for his negative remarks about PNPA graduates in a text message to a local reporter.

Chief Superintendent Andres Caro II, Southern Mindanao police director, said Baccay has been transferred to the regional police headquarters.

Baccay, a lawyer, was replaced by Superintendent Michael John Dubria as Talomo police station chief.

The Sun Star Davao earlier reported that Baccay had sent a text message to a reporter, saying, “The problem really is with the (PNPA) mismo, they are a bunch of officers na kung sa factory pa mga substandard.”

Baccay added: “Sino ba ang mga PNPA grads diyan sa atin na matatawag mo na magaling? Gusto nila to be given juicy positions then they must show they are qualified. Ang problema, hindi eh (Who among the PNPA grads can we consider as good? They want to be given juicy positions then they must show they are qualified. The problem is, they’re not).”

Baccay apparently reacted to a recent full-page newspaper advertisement alleging discrimination against PNPA graduates in PNP positions, with the system favoring PMA alumni.