Saturday, September 23, 2006 Mapiles: Narra scandal, an eye-opener By Joel Mapiles View From the Bottom
THEY are protectors. They are public servants. They are officers of the law. They are our friends, relatives and acquaintances. They are police officers. They deserve our respect and high regard. They deserve our care because they care for us. Let's help them and pray that their minds are always enlightened, their conscience are always clear because their responsibility is big which is to serve and protect our lives and properties.
I believe that the police officers are men of courage and honor. However, like anyone else, they are also human beings vulnerable to commit mistakes. So they need us also to fiscalize their acts and to reform their ranks for the better.
Hence, I believe and I hope that the recent narra scandal in the Pampanga Provincial Police is an isolated case of negligence, misconduct and dishonesty. Yes, it can be considered as a big blunder. However, the narra scandal is an eye opener for the police. "Walang maitim na lihim na hindi nahahayag."
It has also been a lesson to learn not only for the leadership but also to each and every police officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Like the PNP, narra is also 'national'. It's the most important national tree of the Philippines. You are both nationals huh! Hence, narra deserves to be protected and if it is used as court evidence, it should be properly safeguarded and be free from bad elements.
Hence, I suggest that the provincial head of the PNP should not be complacent that the narra flitches or any property are safe in his office premises. He must now and then ensure that these are properly accounted for because it is his command responsibility to do so. He should not also be contented that his men are well morally motivated. Like me, like us, they are all sinners and not saints Hence, there is a need to police their rank.
The police should police the police but don't do it on a personal level. "Huwag naman kayong personal na magkagatan, nakakahiya, kayo, kayo na lang nagkakainggitan pa kayo."
Sir, do not leave them each day unguarded. I'm mot saying that they could not be trusted but they are also humans that need guidance and direction. Any misdeed or mistake that takes place in your office is a command responsibility that you should respond to.
We all know that the little mistake and misdeed of the police could endanger their flourishing image of the PNP. "Huwag po nating hayaan na masira ang imahe ng kapulisan sa Pampanga," Anyway, let's give the police allegedly responsible for the lost of narra flitches the benefit of the doubt.
In the eyes of the law, they are still innocent unless proven guilty. Let justice take its course. Everybody has the right to due process. Now, that the case is under litigation, let's leave it to the court or to the agency responsible in finding the truth as the truth is the only way out to set them free from any speculations. I hope so.
I suggest that the police should work as a family and as one in building up the good image of the Philippine National Police and in truly serving the people and the constitution. I believe the police would become more respected if they get rid of the professional jealousy that takes place in their office. "Hindi tama na ang pulis ay may crab mentality na naghihilahan pababa."
It is not ideal to see the police fighting teeth-to-teeth just to get juicy positions in the PNP. It is better for a police officer or for any professional to be promoted and given higher position because of excellent performance, meritorious acts and qualifications.
We in the media, it is our responsibility to inform the public, be it good or bad. Hence, I think if there are negative reports published or broadcast, it is not our fault. We're just doing our job. "Trabaho lang po, walang personalan,"
If you have any comments, email me at joeley01@yahoo.com
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