Police Regional Office 12 cops warn against involvement in crimes

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-12 on Thursday warned its personnel of administrative and criminal prosecution if remiss in their sworn duty to uphold law and order at all cost.

Chief Superintendent Marcelo Morales of PRO-12 announced the warning after news reports purporting involvement in crimes of certain members of the Philippine National Police in other regions circulated anew.

He said wrongdoings of few abusive members of the PNP can affect the image of the entire force.

“We want to protect our feats in promoting police-community relations. It can help keep the dedication and commitment, on high zeal, of our personnel on the ground. Ensuring their discipline and commitment to service is so important to us,” Morales said.

He said PRO-12 will prosecute any member of the force criminally and administratively if proven to have connived with law offenders.

Morales said any violation of rules governing PRO-12’s law-enforcement activities shall also be dealt with accordingly.

Superintendent Aldrin Gonzalez, spokesman of PRO-12, said it was for the cooperation of the local communities that their units have achieved well-recorded accomplishments in maintaining peace and security in Region 12.

The region covers North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces and the cities of Kidapawan, Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos.

“Our regional director is also urging the local communities to immediately report any misbehavior by PRO-12 personnel for immediate action by regional police officials,” Gonzalez said.