PNP imposes one-strike policy for abuses

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement a one-strike policy on local police officials as it expressed “concern” over reports of abuses, including rape and extortion, involving police officers.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said yesterday local commanders would be immediately removed from their post and transferred to the district’s holding and accounting unit if their personnel figure in cases of abuse.

“They will be held responsible for the deeds and misdeeds of their personnel,” Albayalde said, adding that there will be “no second chances” as the PNP has issued reminders time and again.

There have been at least three cases of police officers being involved in sexual harassment and rape this month.

Albayalde said PNP data show there have been at least 40 rape cases involving police officers since 2016.

A little respect

Meanwhile, Albayalde said they are “appealing to the good sense” of the producers of ABS-CBN television series “Ang Probinsyano.”

He said the portrayal of the PNP chief conspiring with the vice president in illegal activities “gives a bad impression” of the PNP. “A little respect, that is what we are asking for,” he said.

Albayalde issued the appeal on the sidelines of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines’ Defense and Sporting Arms Show at SM Megamall.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, supported Albayalde’s stance, saying portraying the PNP chief as corrupt “affects the whole PNP hirearchy.”

Sen. Grace Poe, on the other hand, said how people view the police is based on the actions of real police officers they see on the streets, not fictional police officers.