PNP urges citizens: Report to our hotline ‘sleeping’ police officers

The Philippine National Police is urging citizens to report to its hotlines 2286 'Text Bato' and 2920 any misconduct or neglect of duty of its members, following the sacking of police officers in Pasay and Muntinlupa cities who were caught either sleeping or drinking liquor while on duty.

In a Super Radyo DZBB interview, PNP spokesperson and PIO head Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said the PNP has its "Red Team" to inspect and "closely supervise the operations of the Philippine National Police in the lower level."

He said the precinct commanders, provincial directors and even the regional directors are assigned to do the task.

"Kaya nga kung inyong napapansin, ang Regional Director dito sa NCR na si General (Oscar) Albayalde ay aktibong nagsasagawa ng pag-i-inspect nitong sinasabing Red Team natin."

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reiterated its instruction that regional directors should also conduct surprise inspections in the different regions of the country, just as National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Oscar Albayalde is doing his rounds in Metro Manila, according to Bulalacao.

He expressed confidence that PNP regional directors will comply with the law in conducting their inspection procedures.

"Ito naman ating regional directors ay responsible officers of the Philippine National Police. I think there will to dispatch people from Camp Crame dito sa mga regional headquarters. Kasi unang-una, ang sabi ni General [Ronald] dela Rosa sa ating regional directors, magkaroon kayo ng kaniya-kaniyang diskarte on how you will implement 'yung guidelines and policies without breaking the law."

Earlier this week, Albayalde conducted a surprise midnight inspections in Pasay, Muntinlupa, and Makati precincts, only to find police officers who were either sleeping or drinking alcohol during office hours.

The officers caught drinking were even wearing their "half-uniform," and the chiefs of police of Pasay City and Muntinlupa City have already been removed from their posts. —Jamil Joseph Santos/LBG, GMA News