Facelift for police stations in full swing

MANILA, Philippines - They’re getting a much-needed facelift.

The repair of leaking roofs, filthy toilets, broken floor tiles and dirty walls of police stations nationwide is in full swing.

The Philippine National Police yesterday started implementing Oplan Dignity (Hilamos) to enhance public acceptance and perception of PNP offices and personnel.

In August last year, President Aquino approved the release of P170 million for the cleanup of about 1,700 police stations nationwide.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II said that in Camarines Sur alone, the government has allocated P14.6 million for the construction and renovation of police stations and a city jail.

He said the country’s police chiefs will be given a list of items that they want to repair or renovate.

Roxas said his department will also hire a total of 147 civilians or non-uniformed police personnel in Camarines Sur to boost the number of policemen patrolling the streets.

“I am encouraging young, idealistic and disciplined high school graduates with technical or vocational skills, and also college undergraduates from Albay, to join the PNP,” he said.

Roxas, also chairman of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), advised interested applicants to inquire at the PNP regional, provincial, city and municipal police stations near their area.