Coffee and Conversations: Brewing Life Stories, One Post at a Time
What is the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear the word “police”? Does it make you feel safe? Is the thought of having policemen in the country something that calms you down? In my case, knowing that we have the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies, I feel somehow at peace. It such a relief to know that there are policemen who continue to perform their duties in promoting peace and order in the community, enforcing the laws and keeping people safe from violence.
Section 2 on Declaration of Policy of Republic Act No. 6975 or the “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990” provides that: “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to promote peace and order, ensure public safety and further strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of the basic services to the citizenry through the establishment of a highly efficient and competent police force that is national in scope and civilian in character. Towards this end, the State shall bolster a system of coordination and cooperation among the citizenry, local executives and the integrated law enforcement and public safety agencies created under this Act.”
The presence of the Philippine National Police (PNP) all over the country is a big help for every Filipino and even foreigners. The PNP prioritizes public safety at all times and it is done by making continuous efforts to stop crimes as well arrest the people who are responsible for spreading violence and cruelty. There are also some policemen who are willing to risk their own lives and safety just to save the Filipinos. They are the police officers who deserve awards and recognition for going above and beyond what is expected of them.
Just recently, several police officers received the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) for their heroic acts. The officers who received the said award are as follows:
Another award, called Medalya ng Kagalingan, has been awarded to the following policemen for their exemplary acts in serving the Filipino people”
The people mentioned above deserve the awards they received because they continue to exceed the expectations of the public.
Unfortunately, we cannot deny the fact that there are also police officers who are tarnishing the good name of the Philippine National Police. They are the ones who give PNP a bad name when it comes to fulfilling their duties and obligations to the citizens of the country. At the same time, they continue to fool the public by receiving bribes from people in higher places, ignoring the proper enforcement of the laws and engaging in illegal activities themselves.
Here is a classic example of the works of the bad cops:
It is a good thing that we have officers like National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Guillermo Eleazar in public service. He is well-known for his continued efforts in catching the bad cops and showing them the real meaning of “discipline.” You can see NCRPO Chief Major General Eleazar in the news wherein he is shown to nab and scold police officers who are giving PNP a bad name.
Because of his strong position against erring policemen, NCRPO Chief Major General Eleazar receives criticism from other people. There are individuals who continue to comment on his outbursts every time a member of the PNP is caught in the act of committing illegal activities as well as in the arrest of the said officer. When asked about the possibility of apologizing to the bad cops, he said:
As already mentioned above, NCRPO Chief Major General Eleazar stands firm in his commitment to clean the name of the Philippine National Police. His aim is to remove the rotten eggs or the bad cops in the system. He is serious in putting these irresponsible police officers behind bars. Needless to say, we need more policemen like General Eleazar. The challenge is to discipline the rotten ones and give them what they deserve.