Mindanaotoday.com | Bukidnon provincial police chief relieves 17 cops
By: Franck Dick Rosete
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Seventeen police officers, including the officer-in-charge of the Don Carlos Municipal Police Station in Bukidnon, have been relieved for having dirty and messy precinct, and non-proper wearing of police uniform.
Col. Reynante Reyes, the provincial director of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, said in a phone interview on Tuesday, December 20 that he personally witnessed the disorganized station and police personnel who were not properly wearing their uniforms when he conducted a surprise inspection on Monday, December 19.
“I couldn’t control my emotions as the father of the Bukidnon PNP. Very dirty and they were not properly wearing their uniform, which is not the one that was being taught to us,” Reyes explained, detailing that there were pieces of garbage all over the premises and the blotter book – which is considered as sacred since it contains records – was disorganized.
The surprise inspection is part of the frequent routine of the Bukidnon police headquarters to ensure cleanliness and readiness of the police officers manning the station.
Reyes also conducted the surprise inspection as the Philippine National Police (PNP) organization is on high alert for the month of December because of the holiday season.
The provincial director, however, clarified the said action was made to correct the lapses of the on duty police personnel of Don Carlos police station.
Reyes also assured the due process to settle the problem.
Maj. Sabino Labitad, the OIC of Don Carlos police, was tasked to provide his explanation and as of this writing, the Bukidnon police headquarters has yet to receive it.
Reyes said he is willing to provide sanction if he is not convinced with the written explanation.
Considering the hectic job of the police, Reyes said police stations can get their own utility personnel – who are not members of the police force – to ensure cleanliness.
However, police chiefs must be more careful in choosing that would not expose any confidential information within the organization.
“The office is a sacred ground. The office of the police is a place that we could showcase that cleanliness will start from us. How can we enforce the law if in the office, and in yourself you’re not wearing your uniform,” Reyes said, underscoring the importance of cleanliness in every police office.
The said 17 police officers, Reyes said, have already been transferred to nearby police stations within the provincial jurisdiction of Bukidnon. (MT)
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