Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) must undergo annual psychiatric, psychological, drug, and physical tests, as well as undergo stress debriefing programs for those whose operational work necessarily expose them to traumatic situations.
(Senate of the Philippines / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Senator Imee R. Marcos, chairman of the Senate Economic Affairs Committee filed Senate Resolution No. 2005 which is designed to ensure the mental and psychological well-being of police officers who are responsible for the maintenance of peace and order and public safety.
The annual tests were spurred by a video showing a police officer, Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuiezca, firing his gun at a mother and son, instantly killing them, which spread throughout various social media platforms and shocked the entire country.
‘’This, together with several other police-related crimes in recent years, caused fear, shock, and anger among the populace, besmirching the image of the PNP as the protector of the people,’’ the Marcos resolution stated.
At present, regular psychiatric, psychological, drug, and physical tests are only given during recruitment and promotion and when directed by a supervisor.