PNPA alumni to Napolcom: Clarify police shaming

MANILA, Philippines — A retirees’ group is questioning the National Police Commission (Napolcom)’s role in administrative cases amid the “public shaming” of policemen during press briefings.

In an April 21 letter to Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the PNP Academy Lakan Retirees Association Inc. asked if due process is being observed in publicly disclosed proceedings.

“While the Napolcom possesses the legal authority to directly act on complaints, such authority must be exercised with prudence, restraint and fidelity to due process,” the letter stated.

Premature statements could affect personnel morale and prejudice ongoing proceedings, the group warned.

“We respectfully emphasize that even with due process, we should not practice nor tolerate public shaming,” the group said.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Nicolas Torre III earlier accused Napolcom executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan of engaging in “trial by publicity” during a briefing involving a policeman linked to a road incident in Pasig.