President Rodrigo Roa Duterte publicly chided over a hundred erring policemen in Malacañang on Tuesday, calling them as “salot ng lipunan” or plague of society.
During the presentation of the 102 errant policemen from Metro Manila and other nearby provinces, President Duterte expressed his disappointment over the illegal activities allegedly committed by the rogue cops, saying that the country would be safer if they rot in jail or get killed.
“Wala kayong silbi para sa akin. Salot kayo sa lipunan. Wina-warningan (warning) ko kayo,” Duterte said as he showered the cops with expletives for their wrongdoings.
“Kayong may kaso, huwag na kayong mag-bail. Huwag ninyo akong sisihin. Huwag na kayong magpiyansa, magtiis kayo diyan sa loob. Mas safe ang Pilipinas kung nasa loob kayo. O kung hindi, patay kayo,” he added.
Among those presented to the President were the three police officers detained for alleged involvement in recent kidnap for ransom and extortion cases in Taguig City, where a couple was reportedly held for ransom by the police.
Other cops were accused of involvement in illegal activities such as kidnapping, rape, robbery and extortion, and illegal drug trade.
Some were also facing various charges such as non-appearance in court duties, grave misconduct, neglect of duty, irregularities in the performance of duty, and performing unlawful arrest.
Out of the 102 cops with the ranks of Police Officer 1, Senior Inspector, and Chief Inspector, 87 came from the National Capital Region Police Office, eight from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A or Calabarzon, and seven from PRO 3 or Central Luzon.
The President said he would review the cases of the rogue cops, noting that he has tasked a special unit to monitor them, especially those who have alleged links to drug syndicates and involved in corruption.
Duterte said he could not understand how the erring policemen were able to enter the Philippine National Police (PNP), stressing that the institution is dedicated only to people who love and desire to serve the country.
“Bakit kayo pumasok sa police? Anong nakain ninyo? Itong police, para lang ito sa mga taong may pagmamahal sa bayan at gustong makapag-silbi sa kapwa-tao nila,” he said.
“Hindi lang ninyo sinisira ‘yung police, it’s a government institution, an organ of the government important to maintain law and order,” he added.
Duterte then told the rogue policemen to stand outside the Palace while waiting for him as he was set to attend the joint command conference of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
After more than four hours of meeting, the President faced the rogue cops again, reiterating his warning of exacting harsh punishment if they commit another mistake.
“I hope that you will not commit a mistake. Maawa kayo sa pamilya ninyo. Madidisgrasya ka talaga,” he said.
He advised the cops to be contented with their salaries, which he increased during his term, and avoid getting involved in illegal activities.
###PND
