PNP resilient amidst COVID-19 situation

August 6, 2020

The head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said the organization has remained steadfast and resilient amid the Taal eruption and the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic the country is  facing.

During his speech at the PNP’s 119th Police Service Anniversary, Police General Archie Gamboa said it plays a vital role in containing the spread of  COVID-19.

“As the country has (been) befallen by successive calamities with the Taal eruption and by a global pandemic due to the coronavirus, proudly I must say, that the PNP has remained steadfast and resilient,” Gamboa said.

“The PNP plays a vital role in containing the spread of the COVID 19 virus in the community wherein sadly more than 2000 of our men have sacrificed their health while rendering their service for the people,” he added.

Gamboa said they added safety measures to ensure the health of their frontline personnel and those doing administrative work in different PNP offices.

“We have issued responsive guidelines and protocols to protect ourselves from the virus. We even established our very own RT- PCR Testing facility and sufficient quarantine facilities to accommodate our own personnel. I therefore commend the members of the admin support to COVID- 19 Operations Task Force for a job well done in ensuring that the logistical, financial, and health support to our personnel in the frontlines are fully provided,” he said.

 Gamboa said the PNP created a study group on the adaption to the new normal which crafted the general guidelines for the police force.

And to navigate the new normal in the digital age towards the delivery of PNP’s organizational outcomes, Gamboa added there is a need to revisit and integrate current and proposed strategic plans to come up with a harmonized medium and long term plans for the organization.

The study group was expanded with three subgroups: the sub- group on reorganization; sub- group on capability enhancement and S.M.A.R.T. policing; and sub- group on human resource development which are tasked to assess and strengthen the PNP’s planning and budgeting services, and the human resource and development program; harmonize existing and proposed PNP strategic plans; incorporate programs, activities, and projects of the harmonized medium and long term plans into the annual operations plans and budget; and ensure the harmonized plans are in the PNP’s budget proposal starting  2022.

“Hence, the Theme: “Towards a Pandemic-Resilient PNP: Deploying Digital Technologies and Adopting Protective protocols in the New Normal”, fittingly describes our key initiatives and interventions to effectively respond to the new normal,” he said.

“Undoubtedly, our timely and sound response has enabled us to effectively transition to the new normal,” he added.

The PNP chief said combating the virus is everybody’s business and he enjoined everyone in implementing strict health protocols in their areas.

“Together we will win this war,” Gamboa said. Ella Dionisio/ DMS