Senator Dela Rosa bats for police force yearly neuro-psychiatric test

Police officers should undergo regular neuro-psychiatric examinations to ensure their psychological and mental stability, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Saturday, following last Sunday's shooting to death of a mother and her son by a cop in Paniqui, Tarlac.

In an interview on state-run PTV’s Laging Handa briefing, Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said neuro-psychiatric tests are reliable in ensuring mental soundness of aspirants upon entering the police force.

However, the senator said the test should be made regular or annually.

“Maasahan talaga ‘yan... kailangan lang gawin ‘yang regular kasi nga ang isang pulis naga-undergo lang ng neuro-psychiatric test during sa kanyang pag-apply sa pagiging pulis after that wala na,” Dela Rosa said.

“Unless magkaroon siya ng schooling, kailangan niya sa schooling niya so mag-neuro siya or mag-apply siya for promotion ‘yun lang other than that walang regular talaga,” he added.

Also, the lawmaker cited the possibility that a neophyte cop might be mentally stable but while he or she is in service the police officer may have learned to use illegal drugs.

“Nasira ang kaniyang utak so pwedeng magbago ang ugali so kailangan regular ang neuro-psychiatric test pwede annually,” Dela Rosa said.

Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca shot his neighbors -- Sonya and Frank Gregorio -- during a heated confrontation that stemmed from Frank's use "boga" or improvised noisemaker from bamboo pole or PVC pipe.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered authorities to make sure Nuezca, who he claimed as “may topak,” remains in jail.

The PNP has started the process to dismiss Nuezca. —LBG, GMA News