Again, the Philippine National Police under the stewardship of PNP OIC Chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa is put to test as he came into the picture at the heels of ‘Ninja Cops’ controversy which allegedly involved top officials of the organization.
The image of the organization is again murky as one official points against the other, of receiving grease money from illegal drug operators in exchange of a huge sum. But, more than the amount, which may have been spent since 2013, the image of the PNP was dragged.
Even a barbarian would say — pulis patola strikes again. A moniker that hurts not only the organization but the families of the policemen as well.
President Rodrigo Duterte blew his top, when the issue cropped up. PNP Chief General Oscar Albayalde stepped down ahead of his retirement while Duterte immediately appointed Gamboa as OIC.
Since then, 22 officers mostly the young breed were given new task either to lead a region or a command, on condition that they cleanse their ranks in three-month time.
Of course, any new appointee will accept the challenge. Leading a command is a feather on their caps, but their accountability is however bigger and responsibility wider.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano stressed that the PNP needs a healing chief, a man who can heal the wounds of the organization from shame. Taxpayers have all the right to rant and get mad, afterall, it’s their money being used to pay the salaries of the PNP, including the ‘Ninja cops’.
Gamboa, himself is a testament how Duterte instilled discipline among PNP personnel in Davao City when he was mayor. He knows that Duterte stopped the showing of then movie ‘Pulis Patola’ in the city, because he believes that not all police are bad cops.
Working with a Mayor like Duterte for years, Gamboa knows Duterte’s template when it comes to rouge government worker. He knows the temper and the barometer of his commander-in-chief.
With his appointment, Gamboa is expected to deliver the goods, not only to his principal but to the entire Filipino people. The people deserves good cops, not ‘Ninja Cops’ nor ‘Pulis Patola’
Changing the guards is as easy as A-B-C but changing one’s behavior is easier said than done.
Unless and Until every PNP member internalizes his sworn duty to the nation, it is only then that changing the guards would truly stand for what it is up to.
