Res Gestae
PNP's Integrated Transformation Program: Ambitious?
In my previous article (Torch Run: Towards genuine transformation), I enumerated the realities (read: problems) that the country's police force is facing today. The facts and figures are overwhelming. They are also challenging, for they indubitably limit the capability of the police force to do their mandated duties.
But, the Integrated Transformation Program is determined to resolve the variance between the ideal and actual capability of the PNP in a span of only 10 years. It means that by 2015 the PNP will no longer have reasons for not making any part of this country a more peaceful, orderly and safe place to work, invest, and do business. It also means that, by 2015, we can witness the dramatic decrease in street crimes and other violations of laws. And, what is more overwhelming than these possibilities? It is the fact that the PNP has barely seven years towards its target date.
With the aforesaid premises, I can't help but think that the PNP is too ambitious with its goals. I find the remaining seven years too short for the PNP to achieve its desired improvements.
The integrated transformation program is going midway. And where is the PNP now? Has it initiated programs to save the 60% of its personnel ranked POI-POIII who live below poverty line? Has it responded to the need of 63.16% of its personnel for decent shelter? Has it already realized or acquired at least 50% of the needed 14,524 mobility assets? Etc. etc.
If the PNP has figures to answer these questions, maybe it can already predict what it can do for the next seven years. Thus, if the PNP has not yet accomplished at least 50% percent of its targets, it must really double its efforts now. Otherwise, it will lag behind its goals comes 2015.
But, the transformation of our country's police force is not the sole responsibility of the PNP. It needs the full support of the national government, Local Government Units, other government agencies and the community. We cannot just wait and see what will happen in 2015. Every Sector must take the cudgel and work for the better PNP.
If the municipal government, for example, cannot provide additional patrol car for its local police, it may at least allocate additional gasoline allowance to the existing police car.
Many people at times complained for non-visibility of police in their locality. There were also those who grumbled for delayed response to their call for police assistance. But these people never realized that these problems – the lack of police visibility and delayed police assistance – were manifestations of incapability of their local police. This incapability of the PNP is due to lack of gas allowance, unserviceable communication equipment, or lack of police cars to respond to simultaneous incidents.
Unfortunately, we often blame our police for its "incapability" instead of recognizing our failure to lift a finger and help them serve and protect our community.
Hence, if we maintain the "wait and see" attitude in relation to the PNP's transformation program, I can't help but assume that such campaign is but ambitious. Don't you think?
(Send your comments and suggestions to rogatepnp@yahoo.com. My previous articles are available at www.studentsandresgestae.blogspot.com.)