Raul wants non-performing police chiefs relieved
Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. has recommended the relief of non-performing precinct commanders in the city. The move, however, is still subject to the approval of Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Gonzalez said the reorganization of the police is a matter which needs the concurrence of the chief executive. The mayor has the authority over the local police as embodied by the law. He said, he respect Treñas' decision over his proposal.
The secretary made his proposal to the city director during a conference he called over the weekend. The conference was attended by ICPO director Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias and Police Regional Office (PRO 6) regional director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas. Gonzalez did not categorically say who among the six police commanders should be relieved.
He said the relief of non-performing precinct commanders will be beneficial in the campaign against criminality. Though, he believes there is a chain of command to be followed. "I am more concerned of what is happening right now," Gonzalez said.
"The campaign against criminality is everybody's business. It needs the cooperation of all sectors. There should be a civic spirit. One could not just say he will not do something if the crime does not happen in his place. All Ilonggos will suffer public humiliation if all forms of criminalities happen here," the justice secretary added.
Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Tobias said he is now reviewing the performance of the current precinct commanders. He said the review is not an overnight process. The performance of each precinct commander would be properly assessed before effecting any changes.
Tobias said he will refer the matter to the mayor whatever reorganization may take place in the precinct level. As early as this Tobias hinted he prefers the entry of new police officials to assume as station commanders. The transfer of one police official to one precinct is not a guarantee that he will perform better and become an asset of the police organization, Tobias averred.
The transfer of one inept police official is not a solution in the efficiency level of a police official in handling responsibilities and in managing a police precinct. The capacity and ability of a police official is reflective of the performance of the entire police precinct in their fight against criminality, peace and order and cooperation of the community, he added.