DILG chief vows to fix PNP's 'bolo men'

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo vowed yesterday to fix the problem of the Philippine National Police (PNP) over its “bolo men,” or police officers who cannot shoot straight.

Robredo admitted there is a need for the Department of Interior and Local Government and the PNP to prioritize improving shooting proficiency of every police officer.

“That in fact is the problem. With more reason we have to address them,” he said.

Robredo attributed the problem to insufficient equipment to help policemen improve their skills.

The DILG chief issued the statement after two former police officials who are now lawmakers called for the implementation of a program to improve the shooting capability of PNP personnel.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop and Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, in separate statements, noted that poor marksmanship has long been a problem of the PNP.

Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino, PNP deputy chief for administration, said a majority of policemen could not shoot the target at a given time. He, however, could not disclose the exact number of policemen who are below marksman, the average shooting skill for law enforcers.

“We call them bolo men. These policemen, who could not shoot straight, should not be given a gun but just a bolo,” said Belarmino, the only policeman in the entire PNP with international awards for his shooting skills.

Higher than a bolo man is a marksman, the minimum level for a shooter.

“A shooter is rated based on his speed and his capability to hit the target. After marksman, the next higher rate is a sharp shooter, then an expert, followed by master and grand master,” Belarmino said.

He said the PNP has a program to improve the shooting skills of policemen but this is not enough, considering the need for shooting skills as part of police work.

“We have to prioritize the marksmanship training, especially for our operatives,” Belarmino told The STAR in an interview. “I think we don’t have a problem on the shooting skills of our special units like the SWAT (Special Weapon and Tactics) and SAF (Special Action Force).”