EDITORIAL - Transforming the PNP

The Philippine National Police had a bad start, with its first chief being implicated in a corruption scandal. The PNP was the product of a merger 15 years ago between what was called the Integrated National Police and the Philippine Constabulary — two organizations that had unsavory reputations to live down. The PC in particular was perceived as an enforcer of the martial law regime, with its Metropolitan Command feared for human rights violations. PC-INP officers, many of them graduates of the Philippine Military Academy, were also linked to organized crime including carjacking and kidnapping.

The image of the national police has improved over the years, but there are still too many rotten eggs in the organization and old habits die hard. Cops continue to be implicated in summary executions and organized crime. Motorists complain of police extortion; businessmen complain of shakedowns. Crime victims complain of poor criminal investigation.

The performance of the PNP, however, has improved enough to encourage public support in the battle against criminality. Families of kidnap victims cooperate with authorities; concerned residents tip off police about possible shabu laboratories.

The PNP marks its 15th anniversary today with the theme of transforming the organization "for a stronger republic." The transformation must be relentless and thorough. Transformation must not stop at cosmetic changes. As cops strive for trimmer waistlines, they must also be given the training and equipment for modern criminal investigation. Too many cops are unaware of the laws they are supposed to enforce. Cops must also stop depending on "confessions" extracted under duress from suspects, or on statements given by unreliable witnesses. Lazy short cuts to criminal investigation often lead to the innocent getting punished and the real culprits getting away, free to commit more crimes.

Alongside these reforms, the PNP purge must continue. When people see a cop approaching, they must see an agent of public safety, not a potential extortionist or kidnapper. Public cooperation is crucial in any campaign against criminality. To get that kind of cooperation, the PNP must win public trust.