Aquino to new PNP chief: Intensify drive vs kidnappers, car thieves

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III ordered newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief deputy director general Nicanor Bartolome to intensify the police's campaign against kidnappers, car thieves, and other criminal elements. "Hinihikayat kitang ituring na personal na adbokasiya ang mas masigasig pang pagtugis sa mga kidnappers, carnappers at iba pang masasamang elemento ng ating lipunan," Aquino said in his speech during the turnover ceremonies on Friday. Aquino expressed confidence that Bartolome can strengthen the "foundations" set up by his predecessor, Director General Raul Bacalzo. "Nananalig ako sampu ng sambayanang Filipino sa iyong kakayahang ipagpatuloy ang sinimulan ni General Bacalzo na palaganapin ang propesyunalismo, integridad at kagitingan sa buong hanay ng kapulisan," he said. "Huwag na huwag mong bibiguin ang ating mga boss," added the President, who earlier referred to the Filipino people as his "bosses." Aquino also instructed the police personnel to develop a system of accountability by arresting their erring colleagues. "Nais na lumaganap sa buong kapulisan ang isang sistema kung saan may kabaro kang nangongotong at inaabuso ang katungkulan, hindi ka magdadalawang isip na hulihin siya dahil hindi mo hahayaang dungisan niya ang mayamang tradisyon ng PNP," he said. He also wanted the PNP to reject bribes and arrest those who try to bribe them. "Nais umiral sa kapulisan ang isang kultura kung saan hindi lamang sila tumatanggi sa suhol kundi pinoposasan nila ang sinumang magtatangkang suhulan sila dahil mulat silang hindi matutumbasan ng anumang halaga ang tiwala ng taumbayan," said Aquino. Police, military needs Meanwhile, Aquino vowed to continue providing for the needs of the police and military personnel. He cited the new equipment purchased for them and the affordable housing units being built exclusively for members of the PNP an Armed Forces. "Nais nating maramdamanan ng bawat Filipinong pulis ang kumpyansa at dangal tuwing isinusuot nila ang kanilang uniporme at ikinakabit ang tsapa sa dibdib," he said. Present during the ceremonies were former President Fidel Ramos, Senator Panfilo Lacson, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., members of the House of Representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps. - VVP, GMA News