Aguirre vows to improve PNP

MANILA, Philippines — National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Vitaliano Aguirre II yesterday vowed to institute reforms that would improve the country’s police force.

Aguirre, who took his oath as Napolcom commissioner on Wednesday, said he will do everything to further improve the Philippine National Police (PNP) in compliance with the directive of President Duterte.

Aguirre said he wants to turn the PNP into an organization that can truly serve and protect the people.

“To repay President Duterte’s continuing trust in me, I intend to fully execute his marching orders for a better Napolcom and consequently, a better police force, to the full extent of the authority granted to me under the law,” he said in a statement.

He did not give details on the programs he intends to do for the PNP. Aguirre earlier said he will address stumbling blocks to help the police force better serve the public.

Aguirre also promised to work with Napolcom officials, including the agency’s chairman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año.

Aguirre told the agency’s employees to work with integrity and dedication in their work to maintain the people’s trust in them.

Duterte appointed Aguirre, a former justice secretary, as Napolcom commissioner representing the private sector.

Aguirre left the Department of Justice in 2018 following several controversies, including the P50-million bribery scandal involving former immigration deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles.