PNP seeks public help in campaign vs sirens

The National Police formally launched on Monday its public text messaging campaign in its drive against the illegal use of siren. Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad, director of the Traffic Management Group (TMG), said the public is encouraged to report vehicles illegally using siren to 0928-3982873 so police could act on it. "They just need to text the location, the type of vehicle, its plate number and other details so we can immediately respond," Palad told reporters at Camp Crame. Palad disclosed that during the trial of the text campaign last week in Metro Manila, the TMG received 280 reports, two of which resulted in the apprehension of two violators. According to Senior Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao, TMG-NCR head, only uniform police and military vehicles, ambulance, fire vehicles, the Presidential car, and the cars of the Senate President and House Speaker are authorized to use sirens under Philippine laws. At the same time, Palad also encouraged the public to report policemen engaged in bribery (kotong cops), especially those preying on trucks containing vegetables and other goods that enter Metro Manila, to 0916-9660244 so higher authorities can act against them. "We have to act against these cops because they taint the image of the PNP," Palad said. "We are doing all these upon the directive of our chief PNP," he added. PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr has vowed on his assumption last October 1 to improve the image of the organization by making sure that every policeman is performing its sworn duty of protecting and serving the community. - GMANews.TV