The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a hotline number where civilian informant could provide details on the involvement of policemen in illegal drugs trade.
This, after President Duterte offered P2 million reward for any information that could lead to the identification and eventual prosecution of policemen who are coddling drugs syndicates.
Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesman, said any information that could be relayed through its hotline number 0917-847-5757 would be treated confidential, including the identity of the tipsters.
But to make the entire process fair, all the information that would be relayed by the tipsters would undergo rigorous validation process so as to prevent cases of personal attacks against policemen.
“The Philippine National Police welcomes the reward offer of President Duterte for information that will help uncover police personnel behind illegal drugs activities,” said Carlos.
“We urge the people to rally behind this national campaign and help the PNP cleanse its ranks of members who have betrayed the public trust,” he added.
Carlos said Duterte’s action is part of the effort to purge the police organization with misfits, particularly those engaged in recycling illegal drugs and taking protection money.
Aside from the campaign against illegal drugs on the streets, the PNP is also running after policemen involved in illegal drug trade. Currently, the PNP is subjecting all its personnel to drug test.
Hundreds of policemen have already been reassigned to conflict-torn areas of the country, all of them are suspected to be involved in illegal drug trade.
Carlos said the reward offer will reinforce the current effort to cleanse the PNP.
“We seek this as a bold initial to once and for all rid the organization of errant personnel who are in cahoots with drug syndicates,” said Carlos.
“We are fully aware of the alarming drug situation in the country such that we are giving this national campaign against drugs complete and unqualified support,” he added. (AARON B. RECUENCO)
