PNP chief to meet with ‘Ang Probinsyano’ actor Coco Martin

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde is set to meet fictional policeman Cardo Dalisay and the producers of “Ang Probinsyano” next week in a bid to end the week-long tiff over the alleged unfair portrayal of the police in the hit television series.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana said Albayalde will hold a dialogue with actor Coco Martin and the producers of the show on Monday morning. 

The dialogue comes after PNP ordered the pull-out of assistance and support to the producers of the show, citing supposed the show’s alleged adverse effects on public interest.

“We respect their senses, but the way they portrayed the PNP, it forces our hand to take action dahil what is at stake is the institutional integrity of the PNP,” he told reporters. 

Durana earlier said that the memorandum ordering all units, offices and personnel to refrain from assisting “Ang Probinsyano” would stand until the two parties meet and arrive at a compromise.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will also meet with the show’s producers this week “to resolve the issues raised by the PNP.”

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement that while they do not wish to dictate the storyline or have the show cancelled, they take issue with the use of PNP uniforms and insignia in the show that paints an “inaccurate picture” of the police organization. 

“If they wish to proceed with the show’s current plot, they are free to utilize a fictional law enforcement agency. That would be consistent with their claim that the show is completely a work of fiction, which unfortunately is not the case,” he added.

The DILG chief added that the producers have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect the image of the PNP and warned of possible legal action. 

The DILG cited the show’s alleged violations of Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which prohibits the illegal use of uniforms or insignia, and the National Council for Children’s Television standards for child-friendly television programs.