Abusive cops ordered: Attend rights seminar

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -  Reports of cops committing abuses against civilians here has prompted this city's police chief to subject erring cops and their peers to attend training on human rights.

“This is to ensure that rights of suspects as well as victims are safeguarded as well as to increase the level of tolerance of all CSFPS patrollers in dealing with arrogant persons.” Supt. Julius Suriben, city police chief, even as he said more police patrols would be implemented.

More policemen have been deployed along La Union streets since Philippine National Police Director General Ricardo Marquez, implemented “ Patrol 101” during his stint as regional director in Region 1.

A brainchild project of Marquez, Patrol 101 is now being implemented by La Union police chief Senior Supt AngelitoDumangeng.

“We must maintain maximum police presence at the same time ensure rights of every citizen are protected and respected at all times,”  Suriben told media.

Suriben said their strategy was in line with Marquez’s intent to maximize police presence by deploying more policemen on streets. 

Some 127 patrollers of CSFPS under Suriben, have been deployed in crime and traffic-prone areas. 

He also directed all personnel rendering administrative or office duties to perform patrol operations daily in compliance with Marquez’s directive. 

“All personnel have now their high impact commitments in crime prevention such as checkpoints, inspections and patrolling wherein they committed to do more than their usual activities,” said Suriben.

To improve how patrollers deal with the people, city police coordinated with Commission on Human Rights RO1 and 

Human Rights Affairs Office of PRO1 for training on human rights-based policing held July 28 and 29. 

Mayor Pablo C Ortega lauded Suriben for promoting human rights-based policing in the city.