IAS chief: Squadding effective on cops' behavior during pandemic

Squadding of police officers proved to be working in improving and monitoring police officers' behavior amid reports of violence the ranks, Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) chief Inspector General Atty. Alfegar Triambulo said Sunday.

According to him, squadding -- where a squad leader guides the troops -- helps in psychological counseling among officers who are bearing the brunt of the demands of work related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Napansin ng karamihan na medyo iba yung inaasta ng kasamahan nila dahil hindi makauwi at hindi sure sa kanilang buhay," said Triambulo over Dobol B TV.

[Being unable to go home, and always fearing for their safety and health, take a toll on cops' disposition.] 

We have launched psychological counseling. It helps prevent mood swings. So squadding is effective, he added in Filipino.

Triambulo made the remark referring to a case of a Quezon City policeman who shot his fellow cop after losing in an arm wrestling match. 

Also recently, a controversial video showed an intoxicated policeman from Quezon City Police District (QCPD) shooting to death his 52-year-old neighbor. 

Earlier, the PNP vowed to file charges against rogue policemen involved in the fatal incidents. —LBG, GMA News