BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental police personnel were reminded anew to refrain from soliciting and accepting gifts during the holiday season.
This is to maintain the integrity of the Philippine National Police, disclosed yesterday by PLt. Judesses Catalogo, the spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
Catalogo said personnel found to be engaged in solicitation for the Christmas season, are administratively liable for simple neglect of duty, or corruption.
The PNP also urged the public to avoid giving gifts in any form, to the police, as a sign of their appreciation.
In a statement released Monday, PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin said police personnel might get used to receiving gifts. “That is why we made it a point to release their bonus early,” he added.
Azurin agreed that police personnel are prohibited from accepting any form of “token of gratitude.”
“While we understand that some want to reciprocate our deeds. I said let’s be strict this time. We do not ask because we all know that we are all having hard time making ends meet. Lots of jobs have been lost and business are still recovering,” he added.
Let’s be together, it means we celebrate Christmas and we can have fun without spending a lot of money celebrating, Azurin stressed.
On the other hand, Catalogo yesterday confirmed that the 2,416 strong NOCPPO, including Non Uniformed Personnel (NUPs) received their 13th month pay, equivalent to their one-month salary, and a P5,000 cash gift.*
