Eleazar backs squad system to monitor cops’ behavior

QUEZON CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar expressed support for the Squad System, which the Internal Affairs Service has deemed effective in monitoring the behavior of police officers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the system groups of policemen are formed into a squad with a designated leader that would train and guide them. This is proactive measure of ensuring individual and organizational discipline within the police force.

“Ako po ay sumasang-ayon dito sa sinabi ng ating IAS inspector general Attorney Alfegar Triambulo na ang squad system ay talagang naging malaking tulong sa pagmonitor natin ng paguugali at kinikilos ng ating mga kapulisan, lalo na ngayong pandemya,” PGen Eleazar said.

“This not only helps prevent misbehavior among our policemen but also hones the leadership skills of those designated as squad leaders. This system enhances the moral and spiritual values of our police personnel. These squad leaders will train and guide their colleagues who have records of minor offenses but can still be reformed,” he added.

PGen Eleazar tasked the PNP Chaplain Service and the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management to review the protocols for the Squad System as he wants its strict enforcement in all police offices and units to further intensify internal cleansing efforts of the PNP.

IAS Inspector General Triambulo has said that the Squad System provides emotional and psychological help to PNP personnel who are having a difficult time coping with the demands of work amid the pandemic.

According to the PNP Chief, “Hindi rin madali ang nararanasan ng ating kapulisan ngayong pandemya, hindi ka makauwi sa pamilya mo dahil ayaw mong magdala sa kanila ng coronavirus at may lagi kang pangamba na magkaroon sila ng COVID-19. Bukod sa may magsisilbing gabay, sa ilalim ng Squad System, ang mismong mga kasama sa squad ang tatayong mga karamay mo.” (PNP-PIO)