Lacson to PNP leadership: Follow up good start to internal cleansing bid

Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa is off to a good start in implementing a much-needed internal cleansing of the police force but will need to go beyond scolding cops linked to wrongdoing, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said.

Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001, said the public expects more positive action other than a strong reprimand, such as meting out the commensurate punishment for erring police personnel.

"Magandang mensahe, symbolic ang push-up at ang mura and everything, but it should go beyond that. Ang hinihintay ng tao, ano bang positibong aksyon aside from meting out the appropriate or commensurate punishment?" he said.

He also said the PNP leadership should take proactive measures as well, to discourage police personnel from engaging in wrongdoing.

"After nito, anong gagawin para ang future incidents hindi na maganap? Yan ang mas importante," he said.

On Wednesday, an angry dela Rosa lashed out at police personnel tagged in the robbery-extortion of Korean tourists, during a visit to Angeles City.

Lacson said dela Rosa had told him the setup for an internal cleansing mechanism in the PNP is complete, and will go full blast soon. "Sabi ko kailangan may impact. Hindi pwedeng pabagal-bagal kasi alam mo ang pulis, di tatablan ng pagkahinay-hinay," he said.