A senator seconded the Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s appeal, urging the Philippine National Police (PNP) to rethink its policy of deploying erring policemen to Mindanao, saying the move will reduce public trust in the police further.

“Filipinos deserve an upstanding police force. Delinquent cops should be fired, not just reassigned and sent to Mindanao,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.

“Napakahalaga na may tiwala ang tao sa pulis, lalong lalo na sa Mindanao kung saan may Martial Law at banta ng terorismo. We should send our best and brightest, not those who abuse their power,” added Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam made the statement after the PNP shipped to Marawi two Mandaluyong policemen who were caught in video hitting using a “yantok” nightstick the two men they arrested for drinking on the sidewalk.

“Ang mga pulis na nang-aagrabyado ng taumbayan at gumagawa ng katiwalian ay dapat managot at matanggal sa puwesto. Marami sa mga pulis na nagtatrabaho nang maayos ang nadadamay sa kanilang ginagawang kapalpakan,” stressed Sen. Bam.

 In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam filed a bill that aims to strengthen the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP to instill better discipline and performance among policemen.

 “The PNP must clamp down on crime and corruption while fully abiding by the law and respecting basic human rights,” Sen. Bam said in Senate Bill No. 1285 or the PNP Internal Affairs Service Modernization Act.

The bill was endorsed by the IAS and was subsequently filed by Sen. Aquino to help the PNP’s efforts to get rid of bad eggs in the organization.

 The measure seeks to strengthen the IAS with provisions for autonomy and independence in its administration and operations and empowering it to instill discipline and enhance the performance of personnel and units of the PNP at all levels of its command.

 “The bill expands the motu-propio investigation powers of the IAS to cover all acts and omissions by PNP officers which might discredit them or hinder them from rendering their services effectively,” said Sen. Bam.

 In addition, the measure mandates the prioritization of IAS functions, which promote character building, and carry out inspections, audits, intelligence operations and rehabilitation among officers.

 By increasing the authority and mandate of the IAS within every branch of the PNP, Sen. Bam hopes the police will better protect the public and honor their duties.