Gov't vows more benefits for cops
The government vows to work hard to provide more benefits for members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno recently assured to work for more benefits of the PNP rank and file, particularly on housing, medical and educational benefits this year.
Puno has also called on the police to step up the implementation of its major programs so it can win back the people's full trust and build up its capacity as a premier law-enforcement agency.
He said that he will also ensure that the country's national police force will get enough logistics and resources this year for it to efficiently carry out its main task of protecting the people.
Puno said that the additional procurement of vehicles and firearms this year for the PNP will complement its latest acquisition of 271 patrol jeeps, 215 light transport vehicles, 150 motorcycles and 28 Scene-of-the-Crime-Operation (SOCO) vans.
"We will do all we can to provide for the necessities of your everyday life, including the provision of adequate pay and allowances," Puno stressed.
Puno pointed out that every member of the community must be able to see the police as a protective Kuya (elder brother) or a disciplining father who keeps order in the neighborhood he serves.
He hopes that by the end of 2009, the PNP will have regained the trust and confidence of the public, and not just half of the population as recent surveys reveal, through the implementation of its key programs meant to make hoes and streets safe for Filipinos.
In meeting said goal, the Integrated Transformation Program (ITP), led by PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa, must be religiously implemented.
The ITP, which is integral to the Arroyo administration's international commitment to democratic governance and justice reforms, aims to help strengthen the PNP's capability to maintain public order and safety as well as enhance the welfare of members of the police force over a 10-year period starting 2005. (PIA)