PNP withdraws support for ‘Probinsyano’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has withdrawn its support for “Ang Probinsyano” following its negative portrayal of the PNP in the television series.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Bong Durana said a memorandum was issued on Friday ordering all units, offices and personnel to refrain from assisting the producers of Ang Probinsyano until the two parties meet and forge a compromise.

The internal memorandum was signed by Director Eduardo Garado, chief of PNP Community Relations.

Garado said there was “a need to withdraw the PNP’s support” from the show while its lawyers were studying legal options. 

Under the memorandum, PNP resources, including the use of venues, patrol cars, firearms, personnel, firearms and other gadgets can no longer be extended to the producers of the show.

Durana defended the issuance of the memorandum, saying the PNP could not be complicit in helping out a show that “adversely affects or is not beneficial to public interest.”

“What we are protecting is the institutional integrity of the PNP and public interest. Whether we like it or not, the show created a distorted view of authority. This teleserye is shaping the perception of our youth toward authority,” he said in a phone interview.

 “It distorts the reality… a majority of police personnel are honest, dedicated and professional,” he added.

ABS-CBN has stressed that the story line of the show is based on fiction.

Durana downplayed criticism by some sectors that they are resorting to censorship.

He said they are not trying to meddle in the plot line of the show’s producers. 

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he is open to meeting with the show’s producers to iron out the issues.

Durana echoed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s statement that it may press legal action against the show’s producers if the story line is not changed.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had expressed dismay over the show’s negative portrayal of the PNP.

The DILG cited the show’s alleged violations of Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which prohibits the illegal use of police uniforms and insignia.