By Martin Sadongdong  Newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa is expecting the 205,000-strong police force to be "more responsive" to the needs of the public under his tenure as he aims to help the organization recover from its tainted reputation in the past few months. PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa
(Police Regional Office 10 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In order to establish a more responsive police force, Gamboa said he wants to "simplify" their work. "Work simplification is the conscious seeking of the simplest, easiest, and quickest method of doing work. We should accomplish more tasks within a given amount of time," he said in a speech at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday. Among the many ways the police can simplify their work is by reducing the summary hearing process on erring personnel to solve administrative cases in 15 days from 60 days. He noted that an intensified internal cleansing is still in effect to rid the organization of rogue cops. He warned all police personnel to refrain from engaging in illegal activities as they will get a "severe punishment" if caught. At least three cops are being dismissed from the police service daily, Gamboa said. Gamboa also said he wants the organization to be digital through the fast-tracking of the full implementation of the PNP Information and Communications Technology (ICT) master plan. The PNP ICT master plan, he said, will serve as a guide towards harmonizing the use of technology towards the realization of Secured, Mobile, AI -driven, Real-time, and Technology-driven (SMART) policing "to deliver effective and efficient crime prevention and crime solution services" to its stakeholders. "The Philippine National Police will go digital," he said. Lastly, Gamboa said the organization should "change" their "unsuccessful" strategies, "adopt best practices," and "build on the gains of effective policies and programs." "We should accomplish more tasks within a given amount of time," he said. Aside from simplifying police work, Gamboa also wants the police to restore proper decorum among the ranks. He said all cops should render a salute to their superior officers and show utmost respect, while the leaders must always think of their subordinate's welfare. The wearing of proper uniform will also be strictly enforced as part of instilling discipline. "Simulan muna natin ang pagbabago sa ating mga sarili (Let us start the change within ourselves). We cannot implement the rule of law if we ourselves violate the law," he said. The PNP was put in a bad light last year after Gamboa's predecessor, retired Gen. Oscar Albayalde, was dragged into a Senate probe on “ninja cops,” or policemen who pilfer and recycle seized illegal drugs, in connection with an anomalous drug operation in Pampanga in 2013. The controversy was so devastating for the police organization that Albayalde had to relinquish his post days before his scheduled retirement, and President Duterte left the PNP without an official chief for several months. Gamboa stepped in as PNP officer-in-charge on Oct. 14, 2019, and was named the 23rd PNP chief by Duterte on Friday (Jan.17). He officially assumed office as PNP Chief on Monday (Jan. 20). Unless his term is extended by Duterte, Gamboa will serve as PNP chief for barely eight months because he will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 for policemen on Sept. 2. READ MORE: Gamboa assumes post as PNP Chief