No playing of 'tong-its' in police stations -- Cuevas
Policemen in the region who love playing the popular card game tong-its" as their pastime should better stop doing so. Otherwise, they will be meted with appropriate sanctions.
A report from the Public Information Office of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 said that the region's top cop Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas ordered the banning of the playing of card games in all police stations and its premises.
Cuevas just assumed his post as the new regional director of PRO 6 replacing retired Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay Jr.
Cuevas received information that the playing of card games especially tong-its" in police stations is rampant. Tong-its" is a card game usually played by three persons.
The practice is considered contrary to the PNP's service pledge 'to lead a decent and virtuous life to serve as an example to others,'" said Cuevas.
Cuevas added that these card games erode the public image not only of police officers engaged in these practices but also the whole PNP organization.
It can be recalled that upon his assumption as the new PRO 6 regional director last Feb. 13, 2008 Cuevas vowed to put more policemen on the field to carry out its mission of protecting and serving the people.
Cuevas also said that on top of his priority action program is the combating of street crimes and organized crime activities.
He also vowed to reorganize the anti-illegal drugs task force to address the continuing problem on the proliferation of illegal drugs.
There will also be continuous conduct of drug tests among PNP personnel to ensure that they are fit to serve the people, Cuevas added.
Cuevas also reiterated the prohibition among police personnel from entering the cockpits.
He also ordered the strict implementation of the No Helmet, No Travel Policy" by motorcycle-riding police personnel.
He said as law enforcers the policemen should set as an example to the general public in developing road safety awareness.
"Wearing of helmet while riding a motorcycle will not only reduce numbers of death but will also save your own life," Cuevas explained. (With a report from PO2 Francisco B. Lindero Jr)