Empowered cops steel reforms

I have always advocated that policemen should be proud of their uniform and their profession.

Sinas says sinners have no place in the police force. AL PADILLA @tribunephl_al

Empowering the ordinary patrolman and others in the lowest rung of the police organization is vital in assuring reforms and in enhancing operations, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) regional director PBrig. Gen. Debold Sinas said.

The police official told “Straight Talk with Daily Tribune” that the priority in NCRPO is in taking preventive instead of punitive measures on rank and file members to keep them in line.

Internal cleansing also continues, particularly in the holding of random drug tests among cops with those testing positive caught immediately, he said.

“I have always advocated that policemen should be proud of their uniform and their profession,” Sinas said.

Moreover, as NCRPO head, he exerted efforts to inculcate strong spiritual beliefs and practices among members of the police force.

He recounted that last 8 December during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he brought a total of 1,500 NCRPO policemen for a holy Mass, which was officiated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

“During ancient times until now, it is customary for us Filipinos particularly the law enforcers to take refuge on the Almighty before we would embark on a mission because He is in control of everything,” Sinas said.

“Through our prayers and supplications, we can assure victory and obtain peace in all our endeavors because God the deliverer is with us,” he added.

The NCRPO chief said the Mass was also held to assure the success of police programs to secure communities during the Yuletide season and other major events, primarily the Traslacion that will be held on 9 January.

“Let us do our part in making these events peaceful and truly reflective of the will of our people through our vigilance and commitment to uphold the law without fear or favor as we go about our duties and responsibilities during Christmastide,” Sinas told his men.

The police official said safeguarding Metro Manila remains his primary goal, since the urban center is also likely to be the center of illegal drug trade.

During the initial days of his stint as NCRPO head, he had recorded, as of 19 November, 1,341 successful anti-illegal drug operations that yielded drugs with a value of P57.3 million taken off the streets, along with the seizure of 30 firearms and explosives and the arrest of 2,647 notorious drug personalities with appropriate cases filed.

Since the day of his assumption on 12 October, a total of 40 barangays in the metro were marked cleared from illegal drugs.

His vow of cleansing the capital region will be accorded with respect of human rights and the rule of law while sparing no one to restore the public’s faith in the police.

“Everybody dreams of a drug-free country and a drug-resistant society. Thus, the NCRPO follows the call of President Rodrigo Duterte in continuously identifying, pursuing and arresting drug personalities and in filing charges with the judiciary,” Sinas stated.

“Likewise, we will take the extra mile in providing information and generating awareness about illegal drugs,” he vowed.