- Regional top cop preaches maximum tolerance to Davao police
ALL POLICE officers must always carry whistles and batons to discourage them from using lethal means in enforcing the law unless otherwise necessary.
Police Regional Office XI director Brigadier General Alden Delvo issued the marching orders during his message for the 122nd Police Service Anniversary celebration at the DCPO headquarters in Camp Eleonor Domingo along San Pedro Street on Wednesday.
“This is guidance from me and the city director. Every one of us should have a whistle and a retractable baton,” Delvo said.
“In the past, the whistle was a symbol of authority. But in the last few years, I no longer see that the whistle is incorporated into our uniform, so it is my guidance that all of us must have whistles,” he added.
He reminded the men and women of the force that using firearms should be the last option when dealing with suspected criminals.
“If there are undue attacks from individuals, your firearms will be the last recourse. Hindi yung as simple as a traffic stop bubunot na ng baril because,” he explained.
He said tasers would ideally be the best tool to immobilize a suspect without resorting to deadly force. However, “for now, tasers are a bit expensive.”
Moreover, he reminded police officers to be out on patrols as a crime deterrent or to increase their ability to respond to emergencies.
“Let me add as policemen, we have sworn to serve and protect. That is why I always say that we should be in the field, patrolling the streets and keeping it safe,” Delvo said.
“For 122 years ago, when policemen started their duties in the Philippines, I’m very sure that patrolling was the first and foremost duty that we gave,” he added.
“Policing is not about maintaining law and order, it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that every member of our society feels safe and valued,” he said in his speech.
