Police officers who committed non-dismissible offenses attended a 30-day reformation course, which opened yesterday at the Police Regional Office XI headquarters.
Brig. Gen. Marcelo C. Morales, regional director, said the course aims to instill in each police officer a strong sense of commitment, dedication, and responsibility geared toward a God-centered, service-oriented and family-based life.
The first batch of trainees include 50 participants, 19 of which are police commissioned officers.
Among the participants were Patrolman Rosalyn Molles of the Talomo Police Station, who was the subject of the complaint by his colleagues for theft; and Patrolman Jerry Gumapac of Toril Police Station who faces a charge of slight physical injuries after beating up a civilian inside a cockpit house.
The participants were chosen due to their involvement in “light and non-dismissible offenses” such as tardiness, crime against a person or property, absence without leave, neglect and irregularity in performing duties and mishandling of cases,” Morales said.
“I, myself, will supervise this training,” he said, adding that participants should take the course as a challenge because they have been given a second chance.
But he quickly added that the course is not a form of punishment since they are taking a restorative approach in internal cleansing.
“Make this time for you to ponder and reflect on how you could be a better person, a better police officer to be of service to the people. Remember, we have vowed to serve and protect the people, if we cannot be trusted, where will they go now?” he added.
He said the course will also focus on “values formation and spiritual development of PNP personnel.” They tapped the PRO XI Chaplain Service to play a vital role in the re-orientation on the propagation of basic traits and moral conduct.
