Saturday, December 15, 2007 Police transform torch reaches Pampanga By Marna H. Dagumboy
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga police on Friday welcomed the symbolic transformation torch in a 36-kilometer relay run which started from Arayat town to Angeles City.
Police Provincial Director Keith Siñgian received the torch from the Nueva Ecija police in a simple ceremony before it was relayed to the Angeles City police.
Siñgian said the Police Community Relations Office is conducting a series of activities to highlight the transformation advocacy of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He cited the conduct of spiritual and values enhancement activities, the transformation program's advocacy to local communities and other stakeholders, physical fitness and briefing on developments of Integrated Transformation Program.
The PNP transformation torch is a beacon symbolizing the transformation program being undertaken by the PNP to turn itself into a more capable, effective and credible police service, Siñgian said.
He added that the transformation continues even if there is a change in leadership.
"The torch inspires, motivates and encourages the men and women of the PNP not to lose hope, press on and run the race towards genuine transformation," he said.
The activity aims to promote friendship and camaraderie among different PNP units, stakeholders and different government offices and run towards the common goal of promoting the organization's transformation.
Siñgian identified harsh realities that the PNP faces.
He said 80 percent of police stations are "informal settlers," 179 police stations do not have vehicles, 63.16 percent out of the 128,000 police personnel do not have decent shelters, and 60 percent of non-police officers live below the poverty line.
In consonance with PNP programs, the Pampanga police effected the construction of several offices for its Intelligence and Investigation, Headquarters Support Service, Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat), said Senior Inspector May Castillo.
Castillo added that austerity measures and revenue generation are also being instituted by the provincial police command.
