D.P.A. (Straight from the Camp)
By Francisco B. Lindero, Jr.

Taking the road less traveled

I am not condemning the police force. Never did I ever in this column. But, I admit, I do abhor the misfits… the unwanted… the loved child of the organization. Don't get me wrong, never did I also expect angels with sterling purity in the PNP. Our policemen are bodies and souls. They are human. They make decisions as much as they make mistakes! They love. Hate. Regret. They have dreams. Longings. Disappointments. And, that makes me admire them. They are human and they make no pretensions!

Like any other organization, the Philippine National Police has yet to prove its integrity and credibility in the field of public service. Though it may have generated countless of accomplishments in its efforts to protect lives and properties, the image of the PNP is still the hardest target of critics and favorite subject of criticisms. And, while it still holds the record as first in the list of most corrupt agencies in the country, it also continues to seek improvement of its ranks. The campaign against erring cops is making statistics, a clear showing of the sincere efforts of the organization to prune its wayward members. And, the new wave of professionals joining the force is another indication of revitalizing itself.

The new generation of police officers is a new hope for the PNP. Their innocence (but free of ignorance) is a fertile ground to inculcate new values. New paradigm. New Conviction. Thus, this must be instilled in the minds of them who aspire to embrace the uniformed service. Should they be given a chance to take the road less traveled, their minds should be ready to take up the challenge of winning the public not by the might of their arms but by the gentleness of their hearts. Yes, a gentle heart is not inconsistent to chauvinist character of the police force. A gentle heart comes from the purity of the spirit. And, this is the key to transform the PNP.

Whenever I speak of a transformed PNP, I know very well that I am not hoping against hope. I know it is possible. The struggling organization adheres to a conviction that “police service is a noble profession.” In this perspective, it has demanded from its members specialized knowledge and skills, as well as high standards of ethics and morality. Hence, the members of the PNP must internalize the enduring core values of “ love of God , respect for authority, selfless love and service for people, sanctity of marriage and family life, responsible dominion and stewardship over material things, and truthfulness.”

In line with these core values, the PNP has also set specific ethical standards as basis of the generally accepted moral values of its members, as I hereby reproduce from the Revised PNP Manual, to wit:

1. Morality – PNP members shall adhere to high standards of morality and decency and shall set good examples for others to follow. In no instance during their terms of office, among other things, shall they be involved as owners, operators, managers or investors in any house of ill-repute or illegal gambling den or other places devoted to vices, nor shall they patronize such places unless on official duty, and tolerate operations of such establishments in their respective areas of responsibilities. They shall be faithful to their lawfully wedded spouses.

2. Judicious Use of Authority – PNP members shall exercise proper and legitimate use of authority in the performance of duty.

3. Integrity – PNP members shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and dishonest practices in accordance with the provisions of RA 6713 and other applicable laws.

4. Justice – PNP members shall strive constantly to respect the rights of others so that they can fulfill their duties and exercise their rights as human beings, parents, children, citizens, workers, leaders, or in other capacities and to see to it that others do likewise.

5. Humility – PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and not the masters of the people and toward this end, they should perform their duties without arrogance. They shall also recognize their own inadequacies, inabilities and limitations as individuals and perform their duties without attracting attention or expecting the applause of others.

6. Orderliness – PNP members shall follow logical procedures in accomplishing tasks assigned to them to minimize waste in the use of time, money and effort.

7. Perseverance – Once a decision is made, the PNP members shall take legitimate means to achieve the goal even in the face of internal or external difficulties, and despite anything which might weaken their resolve in the course of time.

Some police officers entered the service without understanding and embodying in their lives these PNP core values and ethical standards. They are instead allured by the glitters of gold and drowned meaninglessly in futility. They are shameless dregs in uniform who are enriching themselves at the expense of the organization.

Thus, to those who aspire to join the police service, I have this to say: “Take not the path where others lead; you may not know who's before you. Rather, take a new direction and make a trail of your own! Imprint in your memory the PNP core values and endeavor to perfect the ethical standards. And, let that new trail lead you to the oasis of the road less traveled!!!

For comments, e-mail me at rogatepnp@yahoo.com or send SMS to 09193161190.