photo: PNP
The Philippine National Police is open to strengthening the independence of its Internal Affairs Service (IAS) by fully separating it from the police organization.
The statement was in response to the plan of former PNP chief and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson to file a bill making the IAS independent to give the body more authority to deal with erring policemen.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the move will strengthen the power and authority of the IAS, which he said, is part of the efforts to further instill discipline and professionalism in the police force.
“We welcome any suggestion and move to strengthen disciplinary measures and improve the system of accountability in the police force for we maintain that this is an integral part of the continuous transformation of the Philippine National Police into a professional organization that enjoys the full trust and confidence of the Filipino people,” said Nartatez.
“We are committed to supporting measures that ensure accountability and integrity within the police ranks. Roles should be carefully defined. After all, our goal is a disciplined and professional PNP that the public can trust and rely on,” he added.
Nartatez said several measures were already implemented to uphold the integrity and independence of the IAS in running after erring members of the police force across the country.
Nartatez also assured the public that getting rid of rogue police officers from the ranks is among his priorities to ensure that law enforcement agencies remain accountable and operate with transparency.
He also vowed to lead by example by being at the forefront of law enforcement, in enhancing management of police operations and in upholding integrity and discipline in the police organization.