By Martin Sadongdong
Director General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), denied on Monday the supposed existence of "palit-puri" scheme which according to a nongovernment organization (NGO) worsened under the government's anti-illegal drug campaign.
Philippine National Police Chief Director Oscar Albayalde
(Kevin Tristan Espiritu / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Palit-puri” refers to sexual favors allegedly being asked by cops to relatives of detainees, particularly drug suspects, in exchange of their freedom, according to the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women–Asia Pacific (CATW-AP), an "international network of feminist groups, organizations and individuals fighting the sexual exploitation of women globally."
However, Albayalde slammed the groups' claim saying there are no cases of 'palit-puri' in the police force. However, he admitted there may have been isolated cases of 'sexual advancements' being asked by some rogue cops.
"Magmula noong ako ay umupo as the RD ng NCR , there was never a single incident of that sort, 'yung sinasabi niyo na ganoon. There are probably sexual advancements na may nangyaring mga ganyan pero doon sa sinasabi nilang rampant, I think that's harsh to say (Since I served as the of the there was never a single incident of that sort, the one you have been saying. There are probably sexual advancements but with what they say that it is rampant, I think that's harsh to say)," Albayalde emphasized.
According to the CATW-AP, the "sex-for-freedom" scheme was evident in the recent issue involving Police Officer 1 Eduardo Valencia, an officer of the Manila Police District (MPD), who was tagged in a rape case. He was accused of raping a 15-year-old girl in exchange of the freedom of her parents who had been arrested for drug-related charges.
However, the PNP chief said the incident is "isolated" as he assured the police organization has done everything to hold the accused cop accountable.
"We will never tolerate and will show no mercy on these kinds of acts sa aming mga tauhan (We will never tolerate and will show no mercy on these kinds of acts within our ranks)," Albayalde said.
"It does not reflect, please lang... this single act does not reflect the general behavior and discipline that we have in the PNP," he said with a hint of exasperation.
Monitoring abusive cops
Relatedly, Albayalde said the PNP has a way of monitoring police officers who have committed human rights violations, especially abuses against women.
The PNP has established offices which serve as its disciplinary mechanisms. Among them are the Human Rights Affairs Office (PNP-HRAO); the Internal Affairs Office (PNP-IAS); and the Women and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) in every police station.
"Yung aming disciplinary mechanism is in place. It was never arbitrary and that will never be arbitrary. 'Yun ang assurance dyan (Our disciplinary mechanism is in place. It was never arbitrary and that will never be arbitrary. That is our assurance)," Albayalde said.