Mindanao not a dumping ground for scalawag cops

Former Philippine National Police chief Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has denied allegations that the PNP under his watch had used Mindanao as dumping ground for inept, corrupt and undisciplined policemen.

Lacson, who is running for senator under the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), made the statement during his visit to Zamboanga City recently where he was the guest of honor during the 4th Charter Day anniversary.

Lacson said the deployment of police officers to Mindanao was part of the police’s reassignment process and not because the island was a dumping ground for scalawag policemen.

"Let me make it clear that the PNP under my watch had no intention of making Mindanao a dumping ground for undersirable members of the police force. This was undertaken to make sure that police officers are able to have a balanced career pattern as far as geographic assignments are concerned," Lacson said.

Lacson visited Zamboanga City Last Feb. 26 upon the invitation of Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Clara Lobregat, a stalwart of the National Peoples Coalition.

Lacson pointed out that in some cases, the reassignments were effected in order to stop bad policemen from associating with criminal elements or from continuously engaging in criminal activities in their present areas of assignments.

"It is now these undersirable members of the police who are trying to stop me from seeking a seat in the Senate because they know that reforms will continue and be sustained in the PNP once I am elected," Lacson said.

Lacson, who is running on the platform of law and order, said these crooked policemen dislike reform that is why they are waging a hate campaign against him.

Although Lacson is tough on misfits and undersirable members of the national police, Lacson said the well-being of the ordinary policemen is high in his agenda.