DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) came to the defense of their personnel who were photographed sitting at a hotel lounge, a photo that became viral on social media. The three policemen, DCPO said, were just waiting for their companion who went in to use the toilet.
DCPO spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan said on Wednesday, November 8, that they have already investigated the policemen in the photo, whom many netizens branded as "hayahay" or lax while on duty.
Gaspan said the policemen assigned to the bike patrol were covering Bankerohan, Aldevinco, Gaisano Mall, SM Lanang Premier and major thoroughfares.
“That time, yong isang kasama nila mag si-CR, sila actually patapos na ang duty nila kasi re-relyebohan sila kasi they are performing 24 hours,” she said.
Technically, the group was already off duty as their relievers were on duty and the team in the hotel were on their way back to the DCPO headquarters. The policemen have witnesses to attest to their story.
Gaspan asked the understanding of the public that even the police also have personal necessities and need to rest once in a while.
“Although we cannot please everyone, they are also entitled to their own opinion pero hinihingi lang din namin ang pang-unawa,” she added.
Despite the result of the investigation, DCPO director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum still sanctioned the police and underwent serious physical exercise instead of charging administrative charges.
“We maintain that DCPO is dedicated and diligent sa trabaho namin,” Gaspan said.