Saturday, June 02, 2007 Help improve police image, mayor tells Pleb
MAYOR Celso Lobregat has asked the People's Law Enforcement Board (Pleb) to initiate training modules that would further strengthen police efficiency and enhance image, which has been tarnished by few rogues.
Specifically, Lobregat cited four areas that need to be enhanced: policemen's investigation skills both on minor and major crimes; policemen's capability to pursue drug related cases; police performance; and police visibility.
"We have to improve the image of our men in uniform," Lobregat said in a conference with Pleb led by Atty. Virginia Ramos and officials from the Zamboanga City Police Office led by acting chief Sr. Supt. Manuel Barcena and representatives from other agencies earlier.
He was candid in saying that police image has been tarnished several times because of the presence of some "scalawags," a matter that is normal in any organization. "Like in any organization there are few members who don't work and they tarnish the image of the entire city police force."
The Pleb is a group created by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and is tasked to investigate all cases filed by civilians against members of the police.
In the city, the board has lived up to its mandate and even expanded its functions by conducting seminars and trainings to improve law enforcement activities.
Lobregat said the City Government will continue to support the local police even if assisting the agency is a function of the national government, if only to ensure law and order in the city.
The assistance includes infrastructures, transportation and communication facilities, office equipment and supplies, cash allowances, gasoline supply and insurance benefits to name a few.
Another aspect that Lobregat wants improved is police visibility in the street stressing that it gives people and the visitors a sense of security.
However, he said that "while you're on posts, please act like real police officers and gentlemen." There were instances, he said, when policemen on duty are seen texting, reading newspapers or worst, are not on their posts.
On the other hand, the mayor urged the Ramos-led Pleb to also include in their training modules measures on how to sharpen police investigation skills. Many times, he said, cases are lost due to lack of evidences or mere technicality.
He also said that more efforts should be poured in to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs specifically the investigation of drug-related cases. He said the police should closely work with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The Pleb meeting was initiated by Ramos for the purpose of coming up with proposals for the training modules. It was held at the Astoria Hotel.
Also present during the meeting were Councilor Elias Enriquez, Councilor Rudy Lim, Councilor-elect Gerky Valesco, DILG City Director Sonny Cuevas, Land Transportation Office-Zamboanga City chief Romeo Jallorina, City Hall executive assistant on barangay affairs Felizardo delas Penas, Commission on Human Rights Regional Director Manuel Mamauag, and Assistant City Prosecutor Bienvenido Orillo, among others. (SE)
