PNP encourages alleged victims of police harassment in checkpoints to come out

May 22, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday encouraged victims of police harassment to name and file a case against the erring cops.

Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa made the statement after reports of alleged abuse being committed by cops to prostitutes in exchange of being allowed to pass through checkpoints for financial and relief assistance.

Gamboa said they are taking strong exception to the sweeping allegation of sexual abuse of women by police frontliners.

“The PNP takes these allegations seriously because we respect women and honor their role in society. We will never tolerate any form of physical or sexual abuse against women,” he said.

“I strongly urge those unnamed sources to immediately report to the PNP and to file charges against suspected wrongdoers,” Gamboa said.

The PNP chief said when a police officer commits a crime, “he stops being an officer of the law and becomes a criminal, a sexual predator.”

Gamboa added this alleged action of some cops is unfair to those who are risking their lives on a daily basis.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have police frontliners who risk their lives on a daily basis. It is unfair that they become part of an unfounded generalization simply because of the criminal actions of a few,” he said.

The PNP said it is validating these allegations.

“Hopefully there will be informants who are willing to share (what happened) so that we can start the investigation against the erring cops,” said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson.  Ella Dionisio/DMS