CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Seventeen police officers, including the officer-in-charge of Don Carlos Municipal Police Station in Bukidnon province, have been relieved because of dirty and messy stations, and non-proper wearing of police uniform.
Col. Reynante Reyes, the provincial director of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, said in a phone interview on Tuesday, Dec. 20 that he personally witnessed the disorganized station and police personnel who were not properly wearing their uniforms when he conducted a surprise inspection on Monday, Dec. 19.
“I couldn’t control my emotions as a father of the Bukidnon PNP. Very dirty and they were not properly wearing their uniform, which is not the one that was being taught to us,” lamented Reyes, detailing that there was garbage around and the blotter book, which is sacred since it contains records, was disorganized.
The surprise inspection is part of the frequent routine of the Bukidnon police headquarters to ensure cleanliness and readiness of the police officers manning the station.
Reyes also conducted the surprise inspection as the Philippine National Police (PNP) organization is on high alert for the month of December because of the holiday season.
The provincial director, however, clarified the said action was made to correct the lapses of the on-duty police personnel of Don Carlos police station. Reyes also assured the due process to settle the problem.
Maj. Sabino Labitad, the OIC of Don Carlos police, was tasked to provide his explanation and as of this writing, the Bukidnon police headquarter has yet to receive it.
Reyes said he is willing to provide sanction if he is not convinced with the written explanation.
Considering the hectic job of the police, Reyes said police stations can get their own utility personnel - who are not members of the police force - to ensure cleanliness.
However, police chiefs must be more careful in choosing that would not expose any confidential information within the organization.
“The office is a sacred ground. The office of the police is a place that we could showcase that cleanliness will start from us. How can we enforce the law if in the office, and in yourself you’re not wearing your uniform,” Reyes said.
The 17 police officers, Reyes said, have already been transferred to nearby police stations within the Bukidnon province.