PNP chief reiterates ‘cleanliness policy’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), urged police officers to abide with the PNP’s cleanliness policy.

This was emphasized by Eleazar during his visit to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here last Saturday and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) the following day as part of his five-day Western Visayas command visit tour.

Eleazar reiterated the three concepts of cleanliness in offices, ranks, and communities.

He said police stations should be kept clean always as these are the windows to the soul of the PNP.

“It is where the lasting first impression is established. Kung doon pa lang makita na madumi at hindi presentable, ano pang respeto ang puwedeng ibigay ng mga kababayan natin sa atin?” he said.

Eleazar said cleanliness in the police station is also the reflection of discipline of police officers.

Apart from that, Eleazar said there should be cleanliness in ranks, noting that the policy is anchored to the broken window theory, which states that small problems must be addressed immediately to avoid it getting worse.

This is where immediate investigation is being conducted on erring cops that could lead to their dismissal from the service, he said.

He also emphasized on “nameless recruitment” in the PNP organization.

“Wala na dapat palakasan or padrino system,” he said, as he stressed that it can lead to corruption. “Susundan lang yan ng police hanggang sa pagtanda sa serbisyo,” he said.

Eleazar stressed that recruitment defines the future of the organization.

Eleazar also pointed out the cleanliness in the community, which is their campaign against all forms of criminalities, illegal drugs, remnants of insurgency, terrorism, and cybercrime.

“Our objective is mapataas ang tiwala at kumpyansa na mga kababayan natin sa mga kapulisan. Only through trust and confidence can they wholeheartedly support and help us, and cooperate with us, which can make us more effective in our work,” he said.

“In summary, lahat ng programs puwede ipasok sa intensified cleanliness policy.”

Eleazar visited the Talisay City Police Station before he proceeded to Nocppo headquarters to check their cleanliness, as well as Police Station 1 here, before he went to BCPO headquarters.

He also gave awards to outstanding police officers and led the unveiling of some developments in both police offices.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of Bago City Police Station, received an award for having the most number of arrested other wanted persons, operations on illegal gambling, and accomplishment on loose firearms.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert Petate, Silay City police chief was also awarded for having the most number of positive operations on illegal drugs.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Jonel Guadalupe, La Carlota City police chief, was recognized for being the best unit in implementing Oplan Manyag, while Police Major Anthony Grande was commended for being the best unit in the implementation of Brigada Semana in Pulupandan town.

For the BCPO, Police Major Ramel Sarona, head of Police Station 1, was awarded for being the best unit in the implementation of Birada Semana, and Police Captain Paul Vincent Pendon, head of Police Station 2, for having the most number of positive operations on illegal drugs.

Police Captain John Christopher Masangkay, head of Police Station 5, was awarded with Medalya ng Kagalingan for significant accomplishments, Police Major Richard Fajarito, head of Police Station 3, was also given Medalya ng Papuri for special award, while Police Staff Sergeant Rennel Sustento of Police Station 5 was given Medalya ng Papuri for good deeds, and bomb expert Dennis Montoya was given recognition for his 31 years of outstanding service to the BCPO.

Eleazar also thanked various stakeholders and the local government units for their contributions to the PNP.