Bato wants reforms in PNP's disciplinary mechanism

Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Wednesday said Congress should review and amend the law to improve the disciplinary mechanism of the Philippine National Police (PNP) after a cop killed two unarmed civilians in Tarlac.

The former PNP chief was asked during an interview on ANC why the killer cop in the shooting incident was only issued an automatic leave of absence instead of being dismissed.

"Maraming NAPOLCOM memorandum circular na nagko-cover sa actions ng chief PNP. Sinusunod lang nila ang administrative procedures," Dela Rosa said.

"We have to revisit R.A. 8551 talaga and strengthen the power, the disciplinary mechanism in the PNP lalong lalo na 'yung chief PNP... Maganda talagang magkaroon ka ng isang chief PNP na kumpleto ang power na madisiplina 'yung kaniyang tao, pati 'yung provisions doon sa appellate procedures," he added.

Dela Rosa said the PNP chief should be given authority to dismiss erring cops "right away," subject to appeal.

He also said a stricter standard in retaining police officers in the PNP should be in place to weed out rogue cops from the system.

On Sunday, Police Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca killed his two neighbors over an argument about "boga," a cannon made of PVC pipes used as a noisemaker during New Year, and right of way.

Several administrative cases have been filed against Nuezca in the past but most of which were dropped.

The PNP-Internal Affairs Service said it would resolve within 30 days the administrative case filed against Nuezca in relation to the Tarlac shooting.

Nuezca is also facing two counts of murder, and the Department of Justice vowed to closely monitor the developments in this case and ensure that justice will be served.—AOL, GMA News