Sen. Bam Aquino expressed support behind the efforts of the current Philippine National Philippine (PNP) leadership in cleaning its ranks from corrupt policemen, particularly those involved in illegal drugs.

“Napakahalaga talaga ng ating paglilinis sa ating hanay kasi kayo ang frontline at importanteng may tiwala ang tao sa ating frontliners. Kapag nakita ang PNP dapat alam nila mapagkakatiwalaan,” said Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs joint with Justice and Human Rights on the killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.

According to PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa around 1-2 percent of policemen are involved in illegal activities, most especially in the proliferation of prohibited drugs and the campaign to clean the PNP of scalawags within its ranks is on-going

“Progressive ang pagpasok ng information kaya dahan-dahan din ang pagpasok ng information,” said dela Rosa.

Sen. Bam also assured the PNP chief that the Senate will help the PNP’s efforts to get rid of bad eggs in the organization through legislation.

 “Ano ang kailangan niyo mula sa Senado upang malinis niyo ang mga ranggo,” asked Sen. Bam.

 Dela Rosa urged the Senate to restore the PNP’s control over training institutions of policemen.

“Nakikita ko very crucial iyong development ng pagpasok ng pulis lalo na sa kanyang moral foundation,” said dela Rosa.

 “Kami lang ang police organization sa buong mundo na iyong police, hindi PNP naghahawak ng training. Paano namin ma-inculcate ang values at discipline na gusto naming mangyari,” he added.

Dela Rosa also wants the authority to appoint chief of police or provincial director be given to the PNP, eliminate the use of prepaid cellphones and implementation of national ID system.

“Dapat postpaid na lahat para registered kung sino iyong gumagamit ng cellphone dahil iyan ginagamit sa krimen,” said dela Rosa, making it easier for police to identify and arrest criminals.