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| Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian |
MANILA, Philippines — Valenzuela City Rep.
Sherwin Gatchalian recommended former PNP Director General Panfilo “Ping”
Lacson’s approach in disciplining the armed force to be imitated by the current
Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership.
"PNP should learned from the style
of Secretary Lacson when he was still our PNP chief, the way he extinguished
the so-called 'Kotong Cops' during the late 90s, which also brought back the
pride and dignity in the PNP ranks," Gatchalian said.
Lacson headed the police force during Estrada
administration, from November 1999 to January 2001. Gatchalian noted Lacson’s
leadership as he was praised for his no-nonsense style to discipline in the
police organization.
Gatchalian said that during Lacson's time as
PNP chief, he launched a campaign against cops who were inept, corrupt and
undisciplined, or "ICU" cops.
"General Lacson's leadership by example
during his stint as PNP chief has brought back the pride and dignity of police
officers," Gatchalian said. "They know for a fact that their
commander is quick to reward those who risk their lives fighting criminals
while also being just as quick to punish those who are involved in criminal
activities."
Gatchalian referred his statement to
policemen involved in kidnapping operation along EDSA, which was captured and
posted on a social media (twitter), along a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila,
on September 1.
Gatchalian added that "it will be very
difficult for the country to attract foreign investors and tourists when the
people who are tasked to maintain peace and order are the ones involved in high
profile crimes.”
"This is a scary thought for all of us
in this country because we can no longer know whom to trust," he added.
Meanwhile, Cebu Representative
Gwendolyn Garcia praised the netizen who posted the photo of a
robbery-extortion incident.
"I would like to thank a member of
our gender having been instrumental to the investigation," she said.
“The netizen has already deactivated her Twitter
account for her own personal safety,” Chief Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta
said during the hearing.
