PNP chief Azurin says rehab should be part of anti-illegal drugs campaign

Police Lieutenant General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. vowed to continue the government's anti-illegal drugs campaign, but said rehabilitation should be a component of the drive.

Formally assuming post on Wednesday, he also said he would seek the help of church leaders to improve the dealings of the police with the people.

Regardless of religious affiliation, Azurin said the Philippine National Police will turn to volunteer church leaders to help the police “nurture relations with the community.”

On the illegal drugs issue, he said, “Our approach is we continue ang ating programa but this time, pag-aralan natin na katuwang natin ang bawat kommunidad sa barangay. I always believe the barangay leaders kilalala nila kung sino ang mga constituents nila."

"Kailangan is we communicate, pagtulung-tulungan natin ito. Kung kinakailangan iparehab yung mga drug affected sa community dapat mayroon tayong rehabilitation. We bring awareness in all barangays nationwide," he added.

He asked the help of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs in addressing illegal drugs.

The new PNP chief said he would also focus on "cleansing" the PNP ranks of undesirables.

“Ang sa akin lahat ng commanders should exercise their disciplinary authority, kasi by level yan eh. Kung ikaw commander ka hindi mo mapasunod yun, you cannot impose discipline upon them, I think we have to relieve the entire station and replace them,” he said.

During his speech at the assumption of command ceremony, Azurin asked for the support of the entire police organization as he took over the leadership of 227,428 police personnel.

Azurin, who served as the chief of the Northern Luzon Police, earlier launched his peace and security framework entitled “MKK=K” or “Malasakit + Kaayusan + Kapayapaan = Kaunlaran” which he said is “the combination of care, order and peace shall equate to progress.”

The PNP chief said he will also implement his “Kasimbayanan program,” which stands for “Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan.”

Azurin headed the Directorate for Comptrollership as well as the Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management in Camp Crame.

He also served as chief of the Maritime Group and later as regional director of Police Regional Office 1.—LDF, GMA News