Lingayen – Stakeholders in Pangasinan have expressed support to the proposed Philippine National Police (PNP) Modernization Bill during the fourth consultative meeting conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Safety of the House of Representatives at the Sison Auditorium on November 26.
Police officers from towns and cities in the province, including PNP retirees and representatives of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) have expressed confidence that said bill when implemented shall help upgrade the capability of the PNP on the promotion of human rights and law enforcement.
Congressman Samuel Pagdilao Jr., who presided the meeting along with committee members present during the consultation Cong. Romeo Acop, Cong. Leopoldo Bataoil and Cong. Erick Singson, said that “certain provisions which will suit the needs of the people are noted during public consultations.”
According to Cong. Pagdilao, the proposed reorganization and modernization of the PNP encompasses the comprehensive implementation of six components which include organizational development, human resource development, doctrine development, infrastructure development, equipment acquisition and financial development.
“The PNP, being the lead agency of the government tasked for the promotion of human rights and law enforcement must able to cope up with reforms to meet challenges,” he said.
Cong. Bataoil, author of the proposed PNP modernization bill, escorted Cong. Pagdilao and Cong. Acop in a courtesy call on Governor Amado T. Espino at the Capitol building held earlier.
Expressing support to the proposed PNP modernization bill, Governor Espino who was a former police officer, stressed in his message during the consultative meeting the importance of giving priority to peace and order.
“Peace and order is what makes a country moving,” Governor Espino said when he explained that the rise or downfall of leadership or economy, for example, is attributed to the peace and order situation of a place.
Meanwhile, Cong. Pagdilao lauded the Espino administration for ushering in development in Pangasinan that is reflective of ‘transformative leadership.’
“If there is anything that resembles the kind of leadership Pangasinan has today, that is ‘transformer,’ Pagdilao said, adding that Gov. Espino “has made a big difference that Pangasinenses can be proud of.”
It was learned that funds will be allocated for the provision of air support to the PNP when said bill will be approved for implementation.
A holder of 72 collegiate units may also be recruited by the PNP and shall be appointed the rank of Patrol Officer assigned to police maneuver units and police stations. Finishing a bachelor’s degree would merit promotion of a patrol officer to the next higher rank.