THE NATIONAL Police Commission (Napolcom XI) has issued a guideline considering ATM cards as a part of their uniform to avoid unnecessary loans and debts.
Atty. Francis C. Brion, Napolcom XI regional investigation unit chief, said the guideline was necessary since data showed that 25% of the cases of unpaid debts involved men and women in uniforms.
“Part na sa uniform ang imong ATM, so meaning to say pag mag inspect mi wala imong ATM, tapos di nimo ma explain part na na sya sa disciplinary [measures] (Your ATM is part of the uniform, so it means to say that if you don’t have your ATM with you during inspection, you will face disciplinary measures),” Brion said.
“Kay siyempre diba maka loan gina baligya ang ATM … pag wala [sa imo] you have to explain otherwise kasuhan ka (They usually use the ATM as collateral for a loan. If you don’t have it, you have to explain or face a case otherwise),” he added.
Brion revealed that men in uniform often racked up debts because lending agencies demand minimal requirements, meaning the applicant can take out a loan with an ID alone.
He said the agency conducted an informal study during the peak of investment schemes and it was found out either they were victims or their names were dragged. Despite no case of debts in the region, the official said they conduct financial literacy as part of the PNP training.
Brion also stressed they require the police to leave at least P3,500-7,000 in their monthly take-home pay to avoid zero balance.
Meanwhile, the official reported that in the region 50% of the cases involving police are Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) related, yet so far there are no drug-related cases this year.
Brion said the total number of cases in the region involving police is not alarming as it ranges from 10-18 cases. For the entire year of 2022, there were only 16 cases, while as of August 2023, there are only eight cases reported.
“Relatively, mababait [mga police] lalo na in Davao City. Ewan ko bat ganyan dito sa region siguro takot o nagkataon lang na very strict tayo sa atin (The police are relatively well-behaved, especially in Davao City. Maybe it’s just coincidence or we are very strict),” he added.
