Palace: PNP unbiased in enforcing law, not used as 'weapon' for violence

MANILA – Malacañang said Saturday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law, without bias or political considerations.

In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the police force remains focused on protecting the rights of individuals under its protection and serving the interests of the Filipino people.

“Ipinatutupad ng PNP ang kanilang mandato ayon sa batas, walang kinikilingan at ng walang halong pulitika kundi para bawat Filipino lamang (The PNP is carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law, without bias and without political considerations, but solely for the benefit of every Filipino),” Castro said.

Castro’s statement was in response to Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks that she feared for her safety and life after the police went to where her children were, following the Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant against her.

Duterte said she felt “unsafe” after the incident and that she believes that “they are going to kill” her.

Castro said the government would not allow the police force to be used as a “weapon (to) perpetrate violence."

She advised individuals with complaints to pursue appropriate legal remedies rather than make unsubstantiated accusations.

“Ipinapaalala natin sa publiko na ang anumang agam-agam o reklamo hinggil sa aksyon ng pulisya ay maaari nilang ipaabot ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng legal na pamamaraan at hindi sa pagsasagawa ng mga usaping walang batayan (We remind the public that any concern or complaint regarding police actions may be raised through legal channels, rather than through baseless allegations),” Castro said.

“Nais rin namin ipaalala sa lahat na ang administrasyong ito ay hindi papayag na maging sandata ang kapulisan sa anumang karahasan (We also wish to remind everyone that this administration will not allow the police force to be used as a weapon for any form of violence).”

She said the government maintains full confidence in the PNP leadership and its personnel.

“Nanatili silang professional sa pangangalaga sa mga karapatan ng lahat ng taong nasa ilalim ng kanilang pagprotekta. Buo ang tiwala ng administrasyon sa pamunuan ng PNP at sa hanay nito (They remain professional in safeguarding the rights of all individuals under their protection. The administration has full confidence in the PNP leadership and its ranks),” she said. (PNA)