In PNP, it's still cops probing cops

Poe stresses need to appoint civilian internal affairs chief

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald ''Bato'' Dela Rosa on Tuesday said the police leadership has submitted a list of candidates for the position of inspector general.

The PNP's attention was called out anew on Tuesday for its failure to appoint a civilian head to the Internal Affairs Service (IAS).

On the second day of the joint Senate committee hearing on extra-judicial killings, Dela Rosa told Senator Panfilo Lacson that the PNP has already submitted a list of candidates to Duterte and he will follow up with the president regarding his choice.

The IAS is mandated to do the following:

- conduct inspections and audits on PNP personnel and units;
- investigate complaints and gather evidence in support of an open investigation;
- conduct summary hearings on policemen facing administrative charges;
- file appropriate criminal cases against policemen before the court;
- provide assistance to the Office of the Ombudsman in cases involving the personnel of the PNP.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his war on drugs, concerns have been raised that some policemen are abusing their authority, as the number of drug suspects being killed in police operations continues to rise.

Senator Grace Poe said a civilian head must be appointed to the IAS since the fraternal relations among policemen sometimes get in the way of the investigations on erring officers.

Currently, the IAS is headed by acting Deputy Inspector General Chief Supt. Leo Leuterio.