Criminal, administrative cases vs 633 cops resolved in October

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has resolved a total of 633 criminal and administrative cases lodged against policemen during the whole month of October.

In contrast, a total of 16,532 uniformed and non-uniformed PNP personnel were awarded medals and citations for outstanding performance of duty, among them, nine officers who were awarded the coveted Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod or PNP Distinguished Service Medal.

Director Edgardo Acuña, chief of the PNP’s directorate for personnel and records management (DPRM), said there were 633 policemen who were charged criminally and administratively before the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management.

“Of the 633 policemen, 38 law enforcers were dismissed from the service and could no longer return to police force while 37 were dropped from the rolls but could still go back to the command if they managed to settle the charges against them,” Acuña said.

During the Talakayan sa Isyu ng Pulis (TSIP), a weekly forum sponsored by the PNP, Acuña noted that eight policemen were demoted while 74 were suspended, 28 were reprimanded, 144 were penalized with salary forfeitrue, and the rest were exonerated.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr., has vowed a no let-up campaign against erring members of the police force involved in criminal activities to rid the organization of undesirables.

Razon said the offenses of policemen dismissed from the service include AWOL, neglect of duty, grave misconduct, serious irregularities and involvement in criminal activities.

Acuña said that the 295 erring personnel who were penalized are respondents in 633 administrative cases filed before the various PNP disciplinary bodies for the month of October alone.

“All these 633 administrative cases stemmed from complaints which were all investigated and acted upon at the different levels of command, some of whom were meted non-disciplinary sanctions while others were either exonerated or their cases dropped,” Acuña said. Acuña, however, hinted that a total of 16,532 uniformed and non-uniformed PNP personnel were awarded medals and citations for outstanding performance of duty.

 Also awarded were 14 Outstanding Achievement Medals, 15 Special Service Medals, 88 Medalya ng Kadakilaan or Heroism Medal, 2,733 Medalya ng Kagalingan, 3,179 Medalya ng Kasanayan; 7,283 Medalya ng Papuri; and other special awards and recognition.

Razon urged all the 120,000 policemen nationwide to help the police organization in its campaign to bring the police force closer to the community.

“Just as we are responsive to the morale and welfare needs of police personnel, and quick to give due recognition for outstanding performance of duty, we are also swift and decisive in addressing issues on misconduct and breach of discipline,” Razon said.