PNP brings back whistle, baton as part of police uniform

The Philippine National Police has reintroduced whistles and batons as part of policemen's tools after reports of police firing the death of teenager Jemboy Baltazar.

According to GTV’s “Balita Ko” report on Wednesday, PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. gave the order after it was found that some police officers would fire warning shots at suspects.

Acorda said using guns should be the police's last option.

This also follows the death in August of Jemboy Baltazar, a 17-year-old shot dead by police in Navotas in what they claimed was a case of mistaken identity.  

On August 29, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa proposed the return of whistles and batons, stressing the need for a non-lethal approach after the boy's death.

Various police stations have been using whistles and batons as part of the police uniform. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News