Cops banned from cockpits, can not also act as escorts
GOVERNOR ESPINO’S RULES
LINGAYEN–The governor just read the riot act to the policemen.
Governor Amado Espino Jr., a former policeman who once served as the head of the provincial force, has instructed members of the Pangasinan police not only to refrain from going to cockpit arenas but banned them as well from serving as escorts during funerals, weddings, motorcades, and as bodyguards to politicians’ relatives.
He said these are expected of them to maintain the organization’s dignity and public respect.
“It’s very unbecoming. It does not look good. It does not speak well of the police,” Espino said during the command conference of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office here on Tuesday.
The conference was attended by the 48 police chiefs, top police officials, and those of the Philippine Army.
Espino said he gets reports that many policemen frequent cockfights for leisure and as a pastime while still some carry their issued firearms inside the arenas making it appear that they are authorized to do so.
“I prohibit that. It’s (cockpit arena) is a public entertainment place,” he said, adding that those caught doing so could face administrative charges.
He also said that he has noticed that some policemen have become drivers for the mayor’s wife, children or other relatives.
“We must be put a stop to these,” he said.
As for the practice of motorcycle cops escorting during funerals, weddings and motorcades, Espino said the police should only limit itself to helping ease traffic flow.
“Their duty is to maintain peace and order in their area or to manage traffic but not to act as special escorts during funerals or weddings,” he said.
Espino called on the public to report violators of his orders.
P/Sr. Supt. Percival Barba, police provincial director, fully agreed with the governor’s new orders and immediately issued the orders warning erring policemen of administrative sanctions.
“We really have to respect our uniform and give dignity to our position,” he echoed the governor’s sentiments.
He pointed out that people whose lives are in danger can ask for police protective services from the Public Security Police Office in Camp Crame or to the local police, following standard procedures, for emergency cases.
Meanwhile, Barba has also ordered his policemen to put on a “smiling face” when dealing with people at all times.
“A smile that shows courtesy, not the kind that will entitle a police to enter a mental hospital for rehabilitation,” Barba said.#
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