Lomibao wants to build new ‘homes’ for policemen

BANI, Pangasinan — If he has his way, Director General Arturo Lomibao, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), wants to give new homes to police units nationwide — new police stations with good equipment and manned by lawmen who have strength in character.

Lomibao, a Pangasinense who hails from Mangaldan town, envisions to build at least 100 new police stations in the entire country until his term of duty expires in July next year.

Lomibao, who was here the other day for the ground-breaking of the new PNP building, told reporters that work is also underway in 70 new police stations nationwide.

The construction of other new police stations is ongoing, while a good number is nearing completion.

"In our own small way, we want to contribute to the improvement of the police service," he said.

"The policeman is (a) representative of the entire government," Lomibao said, adding that when someone, especially a tourist, has had a good experience with a Filipino law enforcer, he or she would have a good impression of the government.

He cited as examples the P10-million modern and world-class police station being built in Boracay, and the police building costing P10 million that will soon rise in Manaoag town, a pilgrimage and tourist destination in Pangasinan.

Alaminos City, home of the world-famous Hundred Islands, will also have its new police building in Barangay Lucap, the jump-off point to the islands, Lomibao.

Prior to taking over as PNP chief, Lomibao initiated the construction of a new police station in his hometown of Mangaldan.

Several other towns in Pangasinan will also have their new police stations under Lomibao’s stewardship. The other day, Bani Mayor Gabriel Navarro turned over to Lomibao a check for P1 million as the municipal government’s counterpart fund for the PNP’s P2.5-million allocation for the municipal police building.

Meanwhile, Lomibao said policemen are being trained on how to deal with tourists. "Dapat maraming baon na English (They should have a good command of English)," he said.

More than the "hardware" — new buildings and equipment — Lomibao said the police should also improve their "software."

"This is measured through the courtesy, service and performance of the police," he said.

"Parang nagkaroon ka ng bagong bahay, dapat maganda ang gamit at maganda rin ang kalooban ng taong nakatira doon (It’s like having a new house, you must have new equipment and the people living in it must be of good character)," he said.