Press Release
January 30, 2017

Bam lauds PNP's move to shift focus from anti-drug ops to 'internal cleansing'

Sen. Bam Aquino lauded Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa's order to cease all anti-illegal drug operations nationwide to focus on "internal cleansing", saying it will help restore the public's trust in the organization.

"This is a step in the right direction for the PNP as it works on regaining the public trust after several controversial incidents involving bad elements within the organization," said Sen. Bam.

"Sa hakbang na ito, umaasa tayo na mawawala na sa hanay ng PNP ang mga tiwaling pulis na sumisira sa imahe ng mga nagpapatupad ng batas sa bansa," he added.

On Monday, the PNP chief ordered all police units to stop anti-illegal drug operations nationwide as the organization focuses on getting rid of bad eggs among its ranks.

Dela Rosa's announcement came after President Duterte ordered the dismantling of all PNP anti-illegal drug units after several policemen were involved in the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman inside Camp Crame in October 2016.

Jee Ick Joo was abducted from his home in Angeles City in October 18, 2016 and murdered right inside Camp Crame on the same day.

Earlier, Sen. Bam pointed out that rogue elements are capitalizing on the government's war against illegal drugs for their personal gains.

"Humihina ang giyera ng pamahalaan kontra droga dahil sa ilang masasamang element sa PNP na nagsasamantala sa sitwasyon para sa pansariling kapakanan," the senator said.

During the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs hearing on the South Korean kidnap-slay last Thursday, Sen. Bam urged Dela Rosa to also focus on removing bad elements within the organization.

"Self defeating kung hindi natin maaksyunan, malilinis at matatanggal ang mga ganitong klaseng gawain, parang humihina po iyong kalakasan natin dito sa war on drugs," Sen. Bam told Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa, for his part, informed the committee that the PNP has 893 pending administrative cases against erring policemen while 228 were already resolved.

Furthermore, Sen. Bam stressed that punishing those involved in the kidnapping and murder of the South Korean will help restore the public trust on the PNP.

"Sa kasong ito, malinaw na ang mga personalities involved. Ang kailangan na lang alamin ay ang accountabilities at actions. Baka kahit papano, with a speedy resolution, mabalik nang kaunti ang tiwala," Sen. Bam emphasized.

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