Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año ordered on Thursday, June 3, the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enhance measures to instil discipline within the organization as controversies were aroused over violent incidents involving police officers.
"My guidance is for the PNP leadership and chain-of-command to strictly supervise their men and instill discipline in the ranks. Review the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures)/Protocols on police officers who are off duty. Fast-track/expedite resolution of pending cases and continuously account personnel with cases who are stationed at holding units," Año said.
Año also directed the PNP to conduct periodic neuropsychiatric tests and the necessary counselling programs for the “concerned police officers in all units.’’
The DILG chief noted that the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is also working overtime in hearing administrative cases of erring police officers.
"(This is now being done) through its regular Napolcom En Banc Sessions that usually lasted beyond office hours even sometimes extending to late hours of the night," he added.
On May 31, Police Master Sergeant Hensie Zinampan shot and killed a 52-year-old Lilybeth Valdez near a store in Fairview, Quezon City on Monday evening, May 31, in an incident that went viral.
The police officer pulled Valdez's hair and shot her in the neck that killed the victim based on the statement of witnesses.
Last Monday’s violent incident came less than six months after Police Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca shot and killed 52-year-old Sonia Gregorio and her 25-year-old son Frank Anthony in Paniqui, Tarlac in December 2020.
Nuezca was dismissed from the service in January and is currently facing criminal charges.