Lone Abra district representative JB Bernos expressed his full support to the commitment of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to discipline and enforce ethics among its police officers this year.
“Last year we heard various disappointing reports about the misconduct and even criminal activity involving our officers. I hope that this year all police officers commit towards being paragons of discipline and justice, and I fully support the acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.’s vow that they will focus on discipline and ethics across the whole organization,” Bernos, vice chair of the House committee on public order and safety, said.
The lawmaker’s comment comes after Nartatez promised a “stronger focus on discipline and ethics” in the organization.
Bernos is urging the PNP’s leadership to sanction its erring members to prevent erosion of public trust in the police, along with a continued emphasis on discipline and justice.
Earlier, the PNP announced that it dismissed 1,120 personnel from the service and suspended 1,425 more because of administrative cases last year.
Bernos condemned various cases of police violence last year, including the alleged rape and robbery of a Grade 9 student following a supposed operation targeting her boyfriend that led to the head of the Special Operations Unit of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group in Calabarzon and 14 of his officers being relieved of duty.
He likewise hit the alleged torture of two murder suspects by eight cops in Navotas.
The solon had urged police leadership to sanction its erring members to prevent erosion of public trust in the PNP, along with a continued emphasis on discipline and justice.
Bernos lauded the PNP’s top brass for “not being blind to the need for change” in the organization.
“Natutuwa tayo na kinikilala ng pamunuan ng ating kapulisan na marami pang pwedeng baguhin at pagbutihin lalo na pagdating sa disiplina at pagiging tunay na alagad ng batas ng ating mga pulis.”
