INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. yesterday vowed to come to the aid of policemen, including those involved in the war against illegal drugs, who are criminally charged in the performance of their duty.
Addressing policemen during the flag-raising rites at the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame, Abalos said PNP personnel should not be bothered by people out to distract them while they do their job.
“I am behind you,” said Abalos. “If everything is legal, I am going to defend you.”
Citing his experience as a Mandaluyong City mayor, Abalos said a neophyte policeman was accused of trumped-up charges by drug pushers before the People’s Law Enforcement Board for taking part in an operation against illegal drugs.
Abalos said the cop shouldered legal expenses to defend himself during the hearing. He added the policeman then refused to take part in anti-drug operations and asked to be relieved from the city’s Drug Enforcement Unit.
“I am not going to allow our policemen to be demoralized. I am going to come up with a system to raise funds (for the defense of cops),” Abalos said.
“Don’t worry, I am going to help the police. I want you never to be demoralized,” he added.
Abalos said all he is asking from police personnel is love of country and to continue performing their duty “to uphold the law, to make sure there is peace and order in our country.”
Abalos, however, stressed he will go tough against policemen involved in drugs and other illegal activities.
“To the scalawags, especially those who have connections with drugs, remember this, I will have you dismissed,” he said.
Abalos reiterated that the war against illegal drugs will continue under the new administration in accordance with the Constitution.
“As I have told you, Section 1 Article 3 of the Constitution states that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws,” said Abalos.
Abalos said operations against drug pushers should continue but said efforts should also be made to address the root causes.
He said other sectors of the society, including the church, should be involved in the fight against illegal drugs.
“Let us involve the community while we are doing our job arresting suspects. Believe me, that is the right proactive approach,” he said.
Abalos also urged the PNP to gather evidence that can stand in court to ensure cases against drug personalities won’t be dismissed.
“It’s important that all evidence will really stand up in court,” said Abalos, a lawyer. “Not the quantity which end up getting dismissed. That is important to me.”
