Friday, June 15, 2007 Editorials: Law enforcers and people’s trust
IN recent months, the country’s media outlets never fail to carry in their front pages or the early morning broadcasts and news round-up reports on crimes The situation is worrisome, to say the least, but it becomes even more so if we note that in some cases the perpetrators include members of the police force.
The belief that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies cannot be fully relied on to maintain peace and order in the republic has long been held by the people.
There is an increasing feeling that some members of the police betray public trust when it is to their own interest.
Headlines
Consider this sample heads of police stories in this daily:
“Policeman with string of cases arrested”
“Cop yields ‘to prove innocence’ in two slays”
“Cop arrested for ‘kidnapping’”
The average citizens won’t be remiss in their responsibility if they express a deep sense of wariness and fear about the way members of our law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, behaved in a given circumstance.
One can never be sure of the tie-ups and links some police officers have with criminal elements in his assigned area.
Level of morality
The obvious problem here involves the level of morality of the average member of the police force, the ethical values he holds, the sense of honesty and integrity he nourishes, and the sincerity and commitment to public service he subscribes to, not to mention the depth of loyalty he holds for his country and people.
A law enforcer with a deep abiding core values devoted to the welfare of his country won’t perform less.
But there is a nagging issue that seems to sway a powerful moral suasion on the average citizen.
President Arroyo’s call for Filipinos to combat graft and corruption in all levels of the government and rid the national society once and for all of the debilitating effects of graft and corruption in public service does not seem to fall on agreeable concerned ears.
Lending a hand
It thus behooves upon the nation’s civil service, to lend a hand.
This is more so with the PNP, on whose shoulders lie the burden of strengthening law enforcement, to demonstrate its determination to regain public trust and confidence it has lost.
Law enforcers may well start regaining their long tarnished public image as leaders in moral regeneration.
