Bañas tells men: Avoid more harm

CEBU, Philippines - Because of the recent controversies involving police officers, Police Regional Office-7 Director Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas appealed to all police officers to help avoid doing things that could further damage police image.

Bañas made his appeal amid police officials and officers embroiled in allegations of extortion, disaster funds embezzlement and irresponsible use of firearm under the influence of alcohol.

“Iwas na lang tayo at this point of time, a lot of issues are being held against us. Daghang issues, especially sa kapolisan, lahat na lang ng masasama ilalabas,” Bañas said.

“What sells in the media is bad news, ito yung nahahighlight eh. It is an appeal magtulungan tayo,” he called on his men.

He said he is affected with these reports, nevertheless vowed they will continue with their efforts in the fight against criminality. 

 “Masakit na dun sa 8,555 or more na pulis sa Central Visayas, sisirain lang ng isa o dalawang pulis… nakalulungkot. Ang sacrifices nga gibuhat sa imong kaubang pulis nga maayo, this will not be highlighted in the media, what will be highlighted is the abuse,” he added.

With this, he said PRO-7 will institute reforms to revisit the moral values of the police officers.

“We’ll discuss with my Command Group and sa ating mga Regional Advisory Council what we can do to address this loss of moral values sa atong police,” he said.

“We could institute reforms we have to do. We reiterate moral values, their love of our country, love of our people and love of God,” Bañas said.

He added that when he made an audience with Archbishop Jose Palma, the prelate told him that he is willing to help him with his projects.

“Si Archbishop Palma, when I made a courtesy call to him, he is very much willing to help, we go back to the basic virtues,” he said.

Aside from the moral recovery program, he said a command conference with the PNP chief will be held to strengthen the human rights advocacy of the police.

The PNP chief told them it is his aim to make each and every police officer a human rights advocate.

Bañas was previously assigned at the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office prior to assuming the directorship of PRO-7.  (FREEMAN)