Public wants policemen to be trustworthy, God-fearing

MANILA, Philippines – The public wants policemen to be trustworthy and God-fearing.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said these were the first two characteristics that the public would like to see in policemen.

“So slowly we are trying to mold our policemen – not only those in the field but also our officials – to what the public expects from us,” he said in an earlier interview.

Verzosa said they were surprised to find that policemen’s efforts to maintain peace and order in their respective localities came third and protector of the environment was fourth.

Projects will be launched by the PNP’s Program Management Office (PMO) to improve the characteristics of policemen, he added.

Speaking at the Talakayan sa Isyu ng Pulis (TSIP) forum, Director Edgardo Acuña, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) chief, said the PNP will also provide counseling to policemen.

“There will be post operations guidance counseling to prevent psychological factors that affect the personality of a police officer,” he said.

The PNP has also launched the “Scubasurero ’08 in Batangas” personally headed by Verzosa, Acuña said.

Verzosa said the PNP, as the stronghold of peace and order, is also committed to the government’s effort to rehabilitate and restore the coastal waters for marine biodiversity and sustainability.

“The PNP would like to show that they are not only working to fight crimes but are also concerned with preserving natural resources,” he said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe