Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) — President Rodrigo Duterte again pledged his full support towards the police force.
Duterte, speaking before the 144 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Masidlak Class of 2017, promised that he will put up a trust fund for the families of slain police officers.
“I do not wish it upon anybody. (But your children), during my term and maybe thereafter, I’m looking for billions of pesos as a trust fund for your families,” Duterte said, gaining applause from the graduates.
Duterte, who visits wakes of slain police and military members to give his condolences, said he makes sure the bereaved families are taken care of.
“Do not be afraid because we take care of your wives. (The day I visit the wake), they are automatically employed. (The children), we take care of the tuition fees. I hope it would be institutionalized and that is my dream about three to four years, in place na ‘yan,” Duterte said.
This way, he said the police can focus their minds on their duty.
“(The) government will take care over your worries. Yours: fight for the country, do it right,” he said.
However, not all of the 144 graduates will be part of the police force – 15 will go to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and 31 to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Only the remaining 98 will be part of the PNP.
Top 5 graduate Inspector Harley Glenn Galpo, who will be part of the BFP, is hopeful the President will also set up a trust fund for other branches of the service.
“Alam ko po na may program si President Duterte na pantay-pantay ang tri-Bureau, PNP, BFP and BJMP,” Galpo said.
[Translation: I’m sure the President has equal plans for the tri-Bureau, PNP, BFP, and BJMP.]
