Looking good

 SPRUCING up the police stations and setting up special booths in busy areas to increase visibility and function as an extension office for the delivery of services to the public are welcome news from the provincial police director last week. A physically pleasant office fosters pride of place, which in turn builds up self-esteem, and that is probably why the police translate their Oplan Hilamos – which literally means wash one’s face – in English as Oplan Dignity. A police who feels pride in his/her job and dignity in his/her role as a protector of the people can be expected to perform well. Putting up the “CARTs”, meanwhile, is an opportunity for the police to build closer rapport with the community and hopefully scare off those with criminal intent.

But in the midst of all these projects, provincial director P/Senior Superintendent Sterling Raymund Blanco must not lose sight of the more pressing need to improve the capabilities of the police to help jail suspects. It is no longer a matter for debate that the apparent lack of training is the culprit in the poor record of the provincial police force in terms of getting suspects convicted for their crimes.

Blanco need not feel alone in this seemingly daunting task given how the governor and the Pangasinan Judges Association have shown initiative late last year that they are ready and able to help provide the necessary training. Our police, more than anything at this point, need smartening up to ensure that the bad guys are brought to justice.

The community want their police looking good, inside and out.

 

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Voices in Vhong

WHO was the victim, victimizer?

Since the Vhong Navarro mauling case erupted on January 22, each day brought new angles to the case. First, Vhong, a TV host/comedian, was reported mauled at a condominium parking lot in posh The Fort in Taguig and was brought in critical condition to a hospital. Second, Vhong, through his manager (Chito Rono), said he wanted the matter closed.  No probe.  No charges filed.  No nothing.  Third, a report said Vhong was manhandled, brought to the police station with his hands tied after being allegedly caught trying to rape Deniece Cornejo, a model.  Cornejo’s friends led by Cedric Lee said they chanced at Vhong, naked, being on top of a screaming Cornejo at Cornejo’s condominium unit.  Lee said they were forced to maul Vhong after “he tried to fight back.”

At the police station, Vhong allegedly admitted having tried to rape Cornejo.  In turn, Cornejo said she would not file charges and let the case pass.  Then, Vhong said he was forced to admit to the rape angle and claimed he was set up after paying Cornejo a visit, triggering a deeper probe by the NBI/police. Investigation showed footages of a different story altogether, with Vhong’s statements jibing “with the condominium footages” even as the actor filed six cases against Lee, Cornejo and six others, including serious physical injuries, grave threats and illegal detention. Then Cornejo countered and charged Vhong with rape. What would be next might be best left to our imagination.  Like a movie in our mind.

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