PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar yesterday said he wants policemen to undergo regular psychiatric-psychological examinations (PPEs) to determine if they are mentally fit to work.
This after Police Executive Master Sergeant Reynante Dipasupil, who was reportedly drunk, went on a shooting rampage inside the Manila Police District headquarters late Friday night which led to his death, the killing of another cop, and injuries to another cop.
Reports said Dipasupil showed up at the MPD headquarters and went berserk, indiscriminately firing his gun, hitting Police Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Cordova. Dipasupil then went to the MPD director’s office where he again fired his gun before fleeing the area.
On his way out, Dipasupil was met by Police Master Sgt. Romeo Cantal and Police Staff Sgt. Ferdinand Francia, which triggered a shootout.
Dipasupil and Cantal sustained gunshot wounds and the later died while being treated at a hospital.
The MPD incident came after Police Master Sgt. Hensie Zinampan shot in cold blood his 52-year-old neighbor, Lilybeth Valdez, last May 31 in Quezon City.
Police Master Sgt. Jonel Nuezca also killed his neighbors — Sonya Gregorio and her son, Frank–in Paniqui, Tarlac over an old grudge last December 20.
Eleazar said the latest incidents involving cops “highlights the need for us to closely look into the overall state of our men.”
He said the PNP Health Service will soon come out with recommendations in the conduct of PPEs, including cops undergoing regular mental wellness exams.
Under the present setup, cops undergo PPEs only upon entry to the police force, and when they are applying for promotion or if they undergo schooling.
Eleazar said he wants cops to undergo PPE at least every three years, regardless if they are applying for promotion or if they undergo schooling, “to further improve the general welfare of PNP personnel, especially those involved in ground operations.
“The investigation I ordered on the unfortunate incident at the Manila Police District goes beyond the shooting as this includes other aspects such as possible mental health issues of all our personnel,” he said.
