PURGING PNP OF SCALAWAGS KEY V. CRIMINALITY

PURGING the Philippine National Police of scalawags and compelling law
enforcers to work hard are the key formula for a successful campaign
against all forms of criminality in the country, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo
R. Duterte said Monday.

Duterte said before hunting down criminals, government must first run after
misfits in the PNP, especially those who are linked in the illegal drugs trade.

He said these erring police officers deserved to be punished for their
misdeeds, although he did not elaborate during an interview Monday.

Duterte has been named by President Gloria Mapacapagal-Arroyo chair of a
special task force on anti-kidnapping and anti-illegal drugs.

He was due to attend today's anti-kidnapping summit called by the President.

But, despite the appointment, Duterte insisted he will not play an active
role in the fight against criminality and that he will only act as an adviser.

He said the main task of crime busting remains with PNP chief, Deputy
Director General Hermogenes Ebdane.

But his statements to the media Monday on how to deal with criminality were
his initial pieces of advice, although unofficially, as the mayor has yet
to meet Mrs. Arroyo.

"Go to the grounds. Plant your feet on the ground," Duterte said as he
suggested that all police directors deal with criminals head-on.

"Ngayon kung hindi mo kaya, umalis ka (Now, if you can't do it, better
leave the service)," Duterte said.

Today's anti-kidnapping summit will give Duterte a chance to meet the
President, who announced his appointment during Ebdane's installation last
week.

Although he has accepted the post, Duterte remains firm he will never
interfere in the affairs of the police organization.

"I would decline any operational role. I will work under his (Ebdane)
office," Duterte told reporters.

"There should be no parallel organization. I may be good for Davao City but
I have limitations," he added.