PNP-IAS to conduct more surprise inspections in Metro Manila police stations

With police officers caught sleeping and drinking alcohol while on duty, the Philippine National Police - Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) on Wednesday said it will conduct more surprise inspections in Metro Manila police precincts.

PNP-IAS acting Deputy Inspector General Leo Angelo Leuterio said they aim to "complement and sustain the efforts" of National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde.

He added that IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo has already approved the deployment of IAS personnel who will conduct the surprise inspections.

"So isu-sustain 'yun ng Internal Affairs Service, 'yung sinimulan ni General Albayalde. And I think it will work [for] the better of all of us," Leuterio said in a press briefing.

The move came after Pasay City police chief Senior Superintendent Dionesio Bartolome and Muntinlupa City police chief Senior Superintendent Dante Novicio were relieved from their posts after their police officers were caught either sleeping or drinking alcohol while on duty.

San Juan City police chief Senior Lawrence Coop had also been removed from his post for supposedly falling short of expectations from the national headquarters.

PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has already ordered the immediate filing of administrative charges against 18 police officers who were earlier caught sleeping and drinking while on duty.

Meanwhile, despite the negative issues against police personnel, Leuterio said majority of their force are doing their duties with "dedication and commitment."

He also said that due process will be observed against the erring policemen.

"That is the reason for an investigation and that is the reason why we always stick to due process," he said. "These people will be given a chance to be heard and that is the substance of due process — for them, the respondent, to be given opportunity to be heard, to air their side and to justify their side." —KBK, GMA News