A TOTAL of 2,222 police officers have been reassigned to areas in the vicinity of their residence under the localization program of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP Chief Camilo Cascolan led the send-off ceremony for the police officers on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, in Camp Crame. Those who were assigned in the regions attended virtually.
Cascolan said the implementation of the localization of assignment program is in accordance to Section 63 of Republic Act 8551 or the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, which gives a police officer the sense of ownership of the locality that he represents.
As of September 29, 2020, the PNP-Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) said a total of 8,561 police personnel have applied for reassignment, but only 7,410 of them were qualified for the program.
The program is seen to boost morale and welfare since the policemen will be working near their families.
“During my term I will ensure our organization will give priority to programs, projects and activities that will enhance the welfare and benefits of PNP personnel and their dependents,” he said.
“I fully understand your emotional and financial struggle and sacrifices being away from your families and loved ones as well as the difficulties in adjusting to a new place,” he added.
Cascolan said he was confident that police officers will perform better if they are not worried about their families.
He was aware that police officers assigned to areas that are far from their residence have to spend for their transportation as well as board and lodging. The policemen also have to learn new dialects and understand a new culture.
In a recorded video, several police officers expressed gratitude after their requests to be assigned near or in the places of residence were granted.
Staff Sergeant Raiza Vito, who has been assigned in Zamboanga in the past three years, said she was so happy that finally, she will be able to be with her family, especially her children who are based in the National Capital Region.
“Gusto ko na rin talagang mabuo ang pamilya namin (I want our family to stay together),” she said.
Master Sergeant Ricardo Domens, who is assigned in Western Visayas and will be transferred to the Central Visayas Police Office, said he would be able to serve the country better since he is familiar with Central Visayas, having been born and raised in this region.
His children were also thankful.
“Sir, we would like to thank you with your amazing program. This program lets our father to be assigned to our community which means he can spend more time with us and have less expenses in terms of travel,” his daughter said.
Through the localization program, Cascolan said the PNP will also be able to determine which areas lacking personnel and adjust their deployment scheme accordingly.
In the past, assigning police officers to their areas of residence was seen as disadvantageous due to their familiarity with the place which makes them more vulnerable to unscrupulous activities.
However, Cascolan maintained it is more of an advantage than disadvantage, noting that the PNP, particularly the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, is intensifying its operations against erring cops.
“It's an advantage.. Anyway, have you ever - especially in the provinces - have you heard of policemen who commit abuses in their areas of residence? Tell me. If you have those, give it to me. We will reassign them to other areas,” he said.
Those assigned to other areas are, on the other hand, tend to get involved in extortion and other illegal activities because they are confident that no one knows them, he added.
The DPRM is in charge of processing the applications for the localization program.
Applicants must be cleared of money and property accountabilities from their present office or unit before their requests are granted. (SunStar Philippines)