Secretary Ronnie Puno leads DILG in rescue and relief efforts

The Department of Interior and Local Government under the leadership of Secretary Ronnie Puno responded immediately right after Typhoon ‘Ondoy. In fact, Secretary Ronnie Puno has signed and ordered a number of directives for officials of the department and the Philippine National Police asking them to take part and pour their resources in the relief efforts. These directives were issued by the secretary shortly before he left for a short trip abroad.

According to the statement released by his office, Ronnie Puno has filed a two-week leave of absence to accompany his wife who will be undergoing a major surgery. The statement added that Undersecretary for Peace and Order Melchor Rosales was the person appointed as in-charge of the office while Secretary Ronnie Puno is out of the country. Secretary Ronnie Puno did not leave the country in haste and without organizing the resources of the department and the police force. The DILG chief made sure that the department resources will be made available and he also made sure that measures are in place so that these can help speed up the relief operations in typhoon-hit areas.

According to the press release issued by his office, Secretary Ronnie Puno has ordered the Philippine National Police to coordinate with the National Disaster Coordinating Council so that the relief efforts can be performed in a faster manner. Secretary Puno also tasked the PNP Special Action Force to take part in the relief efforts. He specifically instructed Chief Supt. Leocadio Santiago to make use of his organization’s resources to help in the rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas in the Metro.

Continue Reading»

PNP manual on proper way of handling juvenile cases launched

Police officers and personnel of the Philippine National Police will now have the best assistance when dealing with cases involving juveniles. The assistance for our police officers come in the form of the new manual and it is expected that this manual will tackle topics that will help and guide these officers on how to properly deal with children in conflict with the law. The implementing rules and regulations are part of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

This new manual by the PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government spells out the many dos and don’ts that should be exercised by police officers when dealing with children in conflict with the law. For example, it is spelled in the manual that police officers are not required to use the handcuffs on offenders, and the use of these handcuffs is only allowed when it is extremely necessary. The manual also offered a definition of the word ‘child’ which can help our police officers. According to the manual, the term ‘children in conflict with the law’ is that person that is allegedly accused or adjudged as having committed an offense under the country’s laws and that the person is below 18 years of age. The development of the manual, its approval and the subsequent launching were made possible under the leadership of Secretary Ronnie Puno. Secretary Ronnie Puno is the department head and also the chair of the National Police Commission.

A manual of this kind according to Secretary Ronnie Puno is important since there are a growing number of minors that get entangled with the law. He said that the government and the private sector must act so that the issues of the minors can be addressed. Secretary Puno noted that the incidence of minors’ involvement with crimes is not confined just in urban areas, rather there is also that noticeable increase in rural areas and this is affected by media influence. Under the said manual, the police officers should read to the minors their rights under the Miranda doctrine, and police officers should explain to the offenders that they are persons in custody while they are not yet turned to the right authorities.

Continue Reading»

Sec Ronnie Puno for Cha-cha only after elections

Secretary Ronnie Puno has spoken on the issue of charter change, one of the most discussed issues leading to the 2010 elections. According to the DILG chief, he is inclined to support the changing of the constitution provided that the change should be done after the 2010 elections and after we have elected our new set of administration officials.

His views on the subject were shared last week when he was a guest at the Manila Overseas Press Club. On the said gathering the secretary said that the failure of the elections next year is highly improbable and he added that he will not spend much time and effort to launch his candidacy if he knows beforehand that the 2010 elections will not push through. But he still called for the need to prepare for the worst so that the poll body can easily address the issue.

Secretary Ronnie Puno stated the many reasons why there is a need for the government to update and change the constitution. One major thing that he noted is that the present constitution has a number of conflicts in its provisions. He said that these conflicts should be resolved. He also cited the many grammatical errors on the constitution that needs to be addressed. And third, he said that the current constitution needs to be updated with regards to the economic provisions. Also he cited the need to look out for the other aspects of governance and he suggested that these things should be debated upon. Secretary Ronnie Puno also touched on the talks about possible cheating in next year’s elections. Cheating has been considered as one of the serious threats to the elections. He said that fraud and vote rigging in next year’s elections can be avoided by the help of poll automation. It has been said that automation is the perfect antidote to cheating. Secretary Ronnie Puno believes that if poll can be computerized then this can reduce the cheating to the minimum levels. Still, the DILG chief said that the complete eradication of cheating is difficult. For this reason, everyone should do its share.

Continue Reading»

Cory 'fever' alone cannot win elections- Ronnie Puno

The wave of support and the level of enthusiasm for Senator Noynoy Aquino may be there and may be growing as each day passes but this should not lull his supporters into complacency. Some are saying that this level of support and enthusiasm is amazing and unprecedented but these things will not last that long enough into next year. Simply put, this level of affection and enthusiasm will not win the elections for Senator Ronnie Puno.

This kind of observation is not from an ordinary man on the street; this comes from a well-respected person in the political circuit. The opinion is from Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government considered as a master strategist. He is also credited for helping launched the candidacies and win that for the last three presidents, including the present one. Secretary Puno knows the value of euphoria but he added that this alone will not deliver the goods on Election Day. He said that other than euphoria, the camp of Senator Aquino should focus on other important details. It all boils down to the major issues that concern the people, and every candidate planning to run in the next elections should offer solutions to their concerns. Secretary Ronnie Puno shared his opinion during his speaking engagement at the Manila Overseas Press Club or the MOPC last Tuesday.

His experience he says tell him that the kind of mood and enthusiasm that is felt today will not be present eight months from now and he believes that nothing last forever. He also shared his observations during election time that every candidate tends to do a lot of talking and they are expected to face a lot of people and a lot of questions and in the end these candidates cannot please everyone. Though he said that enthusiasm alone cannot win elections, he clarified that it is important as well to understand the value of the so-called Ninoy phenomenon. This phenomenon has rubbed off to the candidacy of Senator Aquino and this is now manifested in the latest survey results conducted by the Social Weather Stations last September 5 and 6. Based on that survey, one in every two voters in Luzon said that they will support Senator Aquino.

Continue Reading»

BFP to get another 100 fire trucks this year according to Ronnie Puno

In line with the modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Department of Interior and Local Government is planning more fire trucks that can be used to compensate the available fire fighting units of the bureau. To be exact, the Bureau of Fire Protection is adding another 100 fire truck units in the country.

This new development in the organization was relayed to the general public by Secretary Ronnie Puno during his visit to Pagadian, City. The DILG chief was the guest speaker in the 3rd regular meeting of the Regional Peace and Order. The secretary said that the beefing up of the fire fighting units of the country was one of the major and priority projects of the department when he first served as the DILG chief. He noted then that most municipalities in the country were having a hard time procuring the fire trucks for their respective municipalities. In 2000, there was an agreement with the Japanese government regarding the procurement of fire trucks but this did not pushed thru when he decided to leave the department. But in 2004 the Bureau of Fire Protection used this initiative by Secretary Ronnie Puno to acquire more trucks for the organization, and in 2007 new fire trucks were added to the stable. During that year, the bureau added 37 fire trucks and another 65 were added last year. And for this year another 100 fire trucks are expected to be added to the stable.

The secretary also made use of the event to formally inform the governor of the province that a fire truck will be delivered to the province and this can be used to help prevent fires in the province. The program of the department to modernize the BFP is not just a short term program of the department. He said that this is a long term program, and a program supported by the President herself.

Continue Reading»

Sec Ronnie Puno calls foes hysterical and delusional

Hysterical and delusional- these are the words used by the camp of Secretary Ronnie Puno to describe the recent statements made by his foes and other observers in the political arena. These words coming from the camp of the secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government came right after his foes made statements that he will let loose administration-sponsored cheating machinery in time for the 2010 elections.

For some of the foes of the secretary, the name Ronnie Puno is often associated with political maneuverings and some are thinking that Secretary Puno has been part of many campaigns that made use of dirty tactics just to win the elections. Of course this is half-true; indeed the secretary has been part of many campaigns like the campaigns of former President Ramos and Estrada and he was also part of the winning team of President Arroyo but being called as an ugly manipulator behind the scenes surely doesn’t suit the secretary. The accusations according to his camp are baseless.

According to Interior Assistant Brian Yamsuan, these critics and the foes of Secretary Ronnie Puno are only seeing non-existent ghosts and they are just trying to condition the minds of the public that the only way that the administration party can win is through massive cheating. These kinds of accusations of course did not sit well with the camp of Secretary Puno and they made statements countering these claims. For the administration team, the Teodoro and Ronnie Puno team is a strong and formidable team and this will make the team win in next year’s presidential elections. These foes are citing the history of campaigns attended by Secretary Ronnie Puno and as mentioned, he worked with winning teams in the past. The camp of Secretary Ronnie Puno has reminded his foes that cheating will be next to impossible next elections since the elections will be fully automated. And this will serve as the antidote for cheating. And regarding the accusations that Secretary Ronnie Puno did have a hand in rigging the elections in the past, Assistant Secretary Yamsuan said that these allegations were not proven.

Continue Reading»

NAPOLCOM helps professionalize PNP- Sec Ronnie Puno

The National Police Commission which is also chaired by Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government is seen as a factor in helping professionalize the Philippine National Police. This comes from no less than Secretary Ronnie Puno himself, and he said that the NAPOLCOM can be cited for at least four important milestones and these are the things that helped the police force of the country.

One of the biggest milestones of the NAPOLCOM which helped shaped the police force is the Police Executive Service Eligibility or the PESE. This was the NAPOLCOM’s answer in order to professionalize the ranks and the examination process in the organization. This new examination was the one that replaced the Career Service Executive Examinations of the Civil Service Commission. This new form of examination was developed by the experts from the country and from other countries as well and this is a mandated examination for those personnel of the police force seeking to occupy third-level posts- from senior superintendent to director general. This message of Ronnie Puno regarding the state of NAPOLCOM was made during the 43rd founding anniversary of the organization last week. On the same rites, Senator Edgardo Angara also paid tribute to the organization stating that the organization should be lauded for its many reforms especially in the areas of strategic planning and investments in human capital.

Other than this new form of examination for the police force, the NAPOLCOM is also known for the reinstitution of the duty and obligation that is designed to offer legal assistance to PNP personnel as part of the Republic Act 6795. Secretary Ronnie Puno has added that this program was returned to the table under his watch. Under his watch under NAPOLCOM, Republic Act 9708 was also passed. This law clearly states that even if there is a criminal action or complaint against the police personnel, this should not serve as a hindrance for the person’s promotion. This law states that a police officer will only be ineligible for promotion when there is a probable cause against the person. If this is not present, then the officer is ready for promotion.

Continue Reading»

Election fears baseless; Teodoro and Ronnie Puno tandem team to beat

The announcement of the team-up of Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Ronnie Puno has pushed some of the players in the field to push the panic button. And this is manifested in the statements made by some players moments after the team-up has been announced. Many are saying that the team-up is leading to government-sponsored cheating in next year’s presidential elections. Simply put, some players in the field are having nightmares since the tandem of the two cabinet secretaries is considered as a team to beat and the tandem is better in at least two counts. Here are the two reasons why the administration party will be the team to beat in 2010 elections:

• The Teodoro/Ronnie Puno team-up will be the team to beat next year since the administration party will roll out an effective and an efficient campaign that is anchored on excellent record in performance and achievements of the Arroyo administration as compared to the proposed plans and changes that can be offered by the opposition
• The other reason why the Teodoro/Ronnie Puno tandem is set to lead in next year’s elections is that this team-up has the head start in the presidential race since this tandem is enjoying that built-in advantage of having the base of President Arroyo placed at round 25 percent. And having this kind of edge will surely have its advantages in a crowded field in next year’s elections.

According to Brian Yamsuan, who is an assistant secretary in the Department of Interior and Local Government the statements made regarding a government-led cheating in next year’s elections are but products of hallucinations and delusions coming from other personalities and candidates. He said that there are no bases for thinking that there will be cheating in 2010 elections and that Ronnie Puno will use the Philippine National Police and lead the organization in rigging the elections. He said that the Philippine National Police is a professional organization and will not allow itself to be used in next year’s elections. And he added as well that Secretary Ronnie Puno will leave his post in the Department of Interior and Local Government as soon as the campaign period starts.

Continue Reading»

Sec Ronnie Puno downplays the moves of the ‘origs’ to reject party merger

Just last week, there were reports that old time members of the Lakas party headed by former speaker De Venecia and former President Ramos have rejected the merger between the two parties. This has alarmed some members in the party and this move also alarmed some of the political observers. But for party leaders and elders of the party, this was nothing but a tantrum coming from the old members of the party.

Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government is one of those from the party that took this lightly, and in his words he called these actions of the Ramos group as tantrums of the old timers in order to get noticed. Secretary Ronnie Puno calls this as the renegade group and technical breakaway and he asserted even further that these founding members of the Lakas-CMD no longer wield that usual power associated with them in the past. This is exactly true within the party; gone are the days when former Speaker De Venecia holds great power in the party. And in their place is a new breed of party leaders that are young and energetic. In that same press conference, the DILG secretary listed many reasons why he is taking the actions of the older members lightly. He said that no one is following this group anymore since they are already washed out; a group with no political clout. All in all he said that their moves are only designed to get attention. Most of the members of the group that Secretary Puno is referring to are no longer in office or no longer serving an elective post.

It was last week when a small group of Lakas, around 50 members led by former President Ramos and former Speaker Jose De Venecia have declared their independence from the merger. The group has already questioned the merger of Lakas and Kampi before the poll body. The group that calls themselves as the “Lakas Originals” has reaffirmed their support for former President Ramos and former Speaker De Venecia. Members of the party don’t consider the absence of the two major players as a loss and they didn’t consider this as an example of in-fighting within their ranks.

Continue Reading»

Sec Ronnie Puno preferred VP bet; thanks party

The smoke has cleared in the administration party, and the party leaders can now direct their efforts to the real issue at hand- making that statement that theirs is better and ready to serve the country in 2010 and beyond. Though there may be some reservations and some protests coming from Chairman Bayani Fernando and other party elders, it can now be generally expected that the Lakas party is raring to go on with the campaign. At the end of the meeting that was conducted by the party, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro of the Department of Defense and Secretary Ronnie Puno were selected as the party’s bet for next year’s elections. Their selection by their party mates was welcomed by Secretary Teodoro and Secretary Ronnie Puno.

When Secretary Puno officially learned about the preference for him and Secretary Teodoro, the DILG chief lost no time in thanking his party. He is optimistic for the tandem and said that his team up with the young defense chief will be the team to beat in next year’s presidential elections. This statement was made by the DILG secretary moments after the conclusion of the 3rd meeting of the Lakas National Executive Committee in Mandaluyong City. In his words, Ronnie Puno thanked the leadership of the party for the trust and confidence given to him as the party’s vice presidential bet next year.

While thanking his party, Puno also added that he will do his best not to fail the Lakas leadership and its members. The tandem, according to him is the team to beat next year and the selection of the two based on his opinion is a good move coming from the administration party. Teodoro may have low ratings as compared with the others, but in the opinion of the secretary and other party elders this will change the moment the general public knows the real Secretary Teodoro. He said that people will get to realize that there is something with this former bar top notcher and they will fully understand his competence once they will know more about his plans for the country. The DILG secretary also talked about the comparative advantage of their team-up, saying that the president has a built-in support base of 25 percent.

Continue Reading»

Admin party endorses Sec Teodoro, prefers Sec Ronnie Puno for VP

After so many speculations and news reports, the ruling administration party headed by the President has finally and officially identified the person/s that will lead the party in next year’s elections. According to various posted reports, the ruling coalition has picked and endorsed Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who is currently the secretary of National Defense. The announcement and the endorsement of the Defense Secretary was made by Secretary General Gabriel Claudio during the meeting of the party that was attended by 64 top regional and national party leaders.

The announcement that was made Tuesday was expected, since there were reports that floated earlier that Vice President De Castro has already declined the offer to join the party and become the standard bearer of the party. For the past few weeks now, the general public and of course the ruling party has been waiting for the decision of the vice president, yet the vice president failed to make a decision at an early stage thus there was the need for the party to set a deadline. But now, the deadline has come and it seems that De Castro is no longer interested with the administration party and the party has to make a choice. And that choice is Secretary Teodoro. By effectively choosing Teodoro, MMDA chair Bayani Fernando is left holding the empty bag. During the same meeting, it was also announced that the party’s preferred bet for the second slot or for the vice presidency is Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government. With this showing of preference, the general public should now expect to see more of Secretary Ronnie and the public should no longer be surprised if one of these days Secretary Teodoro and Secretary Ronnie Puno will hit the road or share the stage together.

Continue Reading»

Setting up of LCPCs promote the welfare of minors

Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs) were set up at 24,093 barangays, 54 provinces, 101 cities and 963 municipalities nationwide as of the first semester of 2009 through the help of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).This is in response to their heightened campaign of upholding the rights and welfare of Filipino minors.

In connection with this, seminars were conducted by DILG to familiarize barangay officials, mayors and other local chief executives on setting up and strengthening these Councils to make them effective instruments in promoting children’s rights and implementing child-friendly programs, according to DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno.

The said action was initiated under the DILG Puno's watch to help LGU'S become child-friendly localities. Guidelines were also disseminated nationwide to monitor the functionality of LCPCs in all local government units.

The Article 87 of Presidential Decree No. 603 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code and Section 15 of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 both provide for the establishment and strengthening of the LCPCs, down to the barangay level.

Apart from facilitation of LCPC's, the DILG calls on local chief executives to support the DILG’s training initiatives on the barangay human rights program, which aims to strengthen vulnerable sectors like women and children in pursuing justice through heightened awareness about their basic rights and the country’s judicial system.

The establishment of Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPDs) in every Philippine National Police (PNP) municipal station in the country is ordered by the DILG, through Puno’s watch to help victims of exploitation and abuse, especially children and women. To date, there are 1,830 WCPDs in police stations nationwide. Besides setting up a WCPD in every town, the PNP, will also establish a Women and Children Protection Center in every region in the country as well as counterpart centers at the provincial and city levels Puno added who is the concurrent chairman of the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

These Centers and WCPDs will handle cases of violence and abuse committed against women and children, including trafficking and exploitation as defined under Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004. The establishment of these Centers are not just in accordance with RA 9262, these also show that DILG and PNP have placed importance on family and domestic concerns as well responsiveness to gender-sensitivity issues.

Continue Reading»

Secretary Ronnie Puno calls his tandem with Sec Teodoro as the winning tandem

Senator Noynoy Aquino may have dominated the headlines for the past few days, but these things did not stop other perceived contenders and interested candidates to show enthusiasm and that positive mindset. Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government is one of those, and in one news report the good secretary was quoted saying that his tandem with Secretary Gilbert Teodoro of the Defense Department is a winning team if compared with the candidates of the opposition.

Ronnie Puno has been vocal in his intent to contest the vice presidency and just recently many news reports have quoted him as supportive of the candidacy of Secretary Teodoro. The secretary has made his choice clear even though the administration department has yet to announce their standard bearer for next year’s elections. In the opinion of the secretary, the Teodoro-Puno team-up is a good combination that can easily match the team up of Senators Mar Roxas and Noynoy Aquino. And he believes in the possible good performance of their team up even if the administration is facing a number of controversies. In the words of Ronnie Puno, he said that their possible team up will be a good move since the moment people get to know their record in public service and the general public knows their true personality and when people hear them explain issues then the public can say that they strong candidates.

Ronnie Puno also believes that Secretary Teodoro will be a very strong candidate for the administration party and he added that the Lakas-Kampi can go a long way in next year’s elections. With regards to the announcement that was made by Senator Aquino, he said that the announcement of Aquino is not a surprise move at all and he added that it was an obvious one. And when he was asked on the status of the vice president and the vice president’s chance of landing the job as the standard bearer, he said that De Castro is not a member of the party and he has yet to decide if he will run or not. And by his reckoning, the support is really on Secretary Teodoro.

Continue Reading»

Women recruits rising; WCPDs continue to serve women and children

If in the past people find it tough and hard to enter a police station due to the perceived strictness and discipline inside, now these two important segments of our population can relax, smile and approach any police station in their city or municipality. As posted many times now, the department under the leadership of Secretary Ronnie Puno has made sure that they can now easily take advantage of the services offered by the police stations, thanks to the Women and Children Protection Desks or the WCPD.

The establishment of these desks in every station is in part a requirement for the Magna Carta of Women that was passed and signed by President Arroyo. But it should be noted that even before the passage of this act, the Department of Interior and Local Government has been doing all it can in order to make sure that women and children in our communities are well protected, and their rights are safeguarded. Aside from Secretary Puno’s job in the department, the secretary is also in charge of the Napolcom and the Philippine National Police is administratively under his direction, so he has a say on the programs and the direction of the police force. This program that ensures that there will be friendly desks on every police station is a serious program of the department and it is the intent of the secretary to properly implement the said program. And as a testament to this, the secretary make sure that the Magna Carta Laws will call for the establishment of these friendly desks in more than 46,000 barangays in the country. Secretary Puno believes that by establishing centers and desks like these, then abused women and troubled children in the communities can easily find help and assistance in these centers and desks. Those in need of help and assistance will feel confident inside these stations since the stations and the desks have that homey feel and atmosphere.

And finally, the good thing about this project of the department is that the women police officers are starting to occupy the positions. For the first half of 2008, PNP hired 3,499 recruits and 462 are women thus women make up 13.2 percent of these recruits.

Continue Reading»

Sec Ronnie Puno's take on Sen Aquino's announcement

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the announcement of Senator Noynoy Aquino to contest the 2010 presidential elections. The noises are loud, and many are saying that Senator Aquino will be a strong candidate next year, thanks to the sympathy and the outpouring of support for the family during the funeral of the late President Corazon Aquino. Government officials and contenders have already said their piece, and one such government official that has offered his own take on the decision of Senator Aquino is Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Secretary Ronnie Puno who is also considered as a potential candidate in next year’s elections said that the administration party to which he belongs will have a say against the Aquino-led Liberal Party. The secretary said that the physical accomplishments of the President will be the edge of the administration party, and this will be the one that will lift the party over the anticipated tandem between Senators Aquino and Mar Roxas. He acknowledged also that the Noynoy movement is off to a good start thanks to the legacy left by his parents. But Puno said that in the end, the real battle will begin and it will be head-to-head.

His thoughts on the entry of Senator Aquino were shared at Camp Crame on Wednesday. When he was asked how the administration will market itself and how it will compete head on with the opposition knowing the charges against the President, he reiterated his preference for Secretary Teodoro. Secretary Teodoro is head of the Defense department. He said that no one can categorize Teodoro as evil, and he believes that the name of the Defense secretary is clean. If Secretary Puno acknowledges the strong point of the Aquino announcement and possible candidacy, Secretary Ermita on the other hand has taken the announcement and the jabs at the administration lightly. Secretary Ermita simply shrugs off the jabs at the administration made by Senator Aquino, and added that he believes that that was just an expression of what he wants to do and he cannot fault the senator for that.

Continue Reading»

Setting up of LCPCs is Part of the Requirements of RA 9344

The Local Child Protection Councils which is a major project of the Department of Interior and Local Government has a general intent and that is to make sure that the concerns of the minors are properly attended and to make sure that their welfare and their rights are properly protected and attended to. The plan is to implement this project nationwide and right now, these councils can be seen in more than 24,000 barangays.

As a way to make sure that these councils can become effective in the delivery of services and in the protection of the rights and the welfare of the minors, the department under the leadership of Secretary Ronnie Puno has conducted seminars that cater to local executives like barangay officials and mayors and these seminars in a way help them establish these councils and these seminars educate these local executives to become effective servants in promoting the rights of the minors.

The establishment of these councils is not without basis. This is based on Article 87 of the Presidential Decree Number 603 under the Child and Youth Welfare Code, and the establishment of these councils is in accordance with Section 15 of the Republic Act 9344 or called the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. These two laws call for the establishment and the subsequent strengthening of the Local Child Protection Councils and these two laws specify that the implementation should go down to the barangay level. And to make sure that these councils will perform based on the expected results, the department under the leadership of Secretary Puno has issued some guidelines and rules that will cover and monitor the roles and the processes of these councils. The establishment of these councils is just one move of the department according to Secretary Ronnie Puno. The office of the secretary has also called on the local executives to support the department’s other training initiatives like the Barangay Human Rights Program. The Barangay Human Rights Program is there to promote and safeguard the basic human rights, and this program will be helpful as this will remind the general public about their basic human rights.

Continue Reading»

LGU-based Human Rights Program approved

Now is the time for the Department of Interior and Local Government to show its concern for the protection of human rights. If in the past it is solely the role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the Commission of Human Rights right now the office of Secretary Ronnie Puno is taking this concern seriously. The department is now active in ensuring that the rights of the general public are well-protected, and the office ensures that the aspirations of the minors are well attended as well.

As part of its job in taking care and the advancement of human rights, the department has introduced its Human Rights Program for the local level and this program is done in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights. This program has a simple intent; and that is to institutionalize the human rights and all programs in the local level. This new program for the local level was announced by DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, and he said that the design and the implementation of this program were in support of the Administrative Order Number 249. Under this order that was signed by the President, there should be a better commitment to strengthen the human rights polices, plans and programs as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The office believes that for a program to be successful, and then the program should start at the local level or at the grass roots. And this is what they are doing right now with the Human Rights Program. And it is a good move to institutionalize and implement programs and policies in the local level.

The official unveiling if this said program was made at the Sulu Hotel in Quezon City. It is also the objective of this program to strengthen and to also improve the access of the general public to related programs and policies. And in the end, it can be expected that this program by the two government organizations can help in the promotion of human rights and also help in the crafting of necessary policies. As per the plan of the department, this new program is to be implemented in 119 cities in and around the country.

Continue Reading»

PNP to add 10,000 to the police force

In support of the Philippine National police (PNP) 5 Year Modernization plan, the government will hire 10,000 new policemen. This was based from the original 3,000 plan. The decision to increase the police recruitment to 10,000 policemen was based on the recommendation of Department and Interior and local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno, according to Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr.

The 5 year modernization plan started back in 2006 and the hiring of policemen was outlined on the components of President Arroyo’s speech during that year’s PNP anniversary rites at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Andaya said the move was based the administration’s drive to put more cops on the streets.

Andaya futher said that once recruited, the police rookies should raise the troop level of the PNP to 142,393, from 115,743 seven years ago. The purpose is to improve the policeman-to-citizen ratio to 1:663 from last year’s 1:700. The PNP also aims to balance off the police-to-population ratio by year 2012. On that same year as well, the equipment requirement of the police force must have been filled up too.

The recruitment cost will be at P1.4 billion. Secretary Andaya said in a press conference that the recruitment cost is included in the proposed P49.8 billion budget of the PNP in 2010. In addition to this, budget amounting to P2 billion will be allocated to buy guns, P264 million will be set aside for vehicles, P935 million will be reserved for communication gear and P180 million for other reserved equipments.

In line with this, there will also be additional construction of police stations and P100 million is reserve for that cause, Andaya added. Andaya further stressed out that the 2010 proposed budget for PNP is P2.4 billion higher than the police budget this year. This proposed 2010 General Appropriations Act is the last budget measure of the Arroyo administration. The PNP’s budget is a part of P1.54 trillion national budget for 2010, which was already sent for approval at the congress. The national budget for 2010 also includes the P68 billion for the second installment of the four-year pay increase for government personnel.

Continue Reading»

First week of September as Crime Prevention Week

This week is National Crime Prevention Week, and this is based on the calendar presented by the Department of Interior and Local Government. The setting of the week as a crime prevention week is in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation Number 461 issued August 31, 1994.

According to this presidential proclamation, the DILG and other government instrumentalities will make the first week of September as the National Crime Prevention Week. It is expected that this week, all government offices and instrumentalities will do its part and undertake projects and activities that can address and combat criminality in the country. It is expected too that the programs and projects that will be undertaken by government offices and departments will start from the grassroots level, and will involve the general public and the local execs. And finally, all these projects are also designed to build public commitment and participation. So the general public can expect greater actions and projects coming from different government instrumentalities, like DILG and all the projects and programs are designed to ensure that crimes can be lessened.

Continue Reading»

DILG strengthens bid against loose firearms

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 817 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the National Firearms Control Program (NFCP) was set in place to reduce the number of loose firearms through aggressive continuing law enforcement action and to provide general amnesty for loose firearms.

EO 817 also assigned the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct active police operations against unregistered firearms by doing random weapon checks in crime-prone areas, mobile checkpoint and chokepoint operations, intelligence build-up, internal security operations, application of search warrants, and likewise dismantling of private armed groups.

In line with this project the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno spearhead the information and dissemination campaign on the government’s drive against loose firearms under the NFCP and called on all the local chief executives nationwide to assist in their jurisdiction. Secretary Puno also urged the city and municipal mayors as well as provincial governors to take part in the operations of the Joint Firearms Control Desks (JFCDs) in their respective areas to be established by the PNP with the participation of partner agencies and other concerned sectors through an issued directive. According to Puno as leaders of their respective localities, local chief executives must work hand in hand with the PNP in the accounting, inventory and registration of firearms in their jurisdiction. DILG Secretary also stressed out that the local executives through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for the Interior of the DILG must also submit an inventory of all their organized and acquired firearms to the NFCP Secretariat.

In May 2009 there was an estimated 1,110,277 loose firearms. Most of them are in the hands of threat groups, criminal elements and unauthorized individuals. These reported number of loose firearms also included those guns with expired licenses. The government is targeting at least a reduction of 3% per month n loose firearms.

In line with this campaign, during the first month of implementation of EO 817, the PNP is estimating to account for at least 33,000 loose firearms.
As of Aug, 2009, according to the records provided by the National Firearms Control Secretariat at least 234 loose firearms were confiscated by government security forces during separate engagements with threat groups and criminal elements.

Accordingly, a similar memorandum was issued by DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpus to the Directors of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to submit an inventory of the firearms of their respective agencies and to extend their support to the JFCDs.

Continue Reading»

Joint training on internal security operation planned for AFP, PNP officers

The government is readying up its forces in order to properly address the insurgency issues in the country. And one such move that is planned by the government is to conduct joint trainings on internal security operation that can be participated in by officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. The joint internal security operation trainings will cover a number of strategies that can help these officers and will also cover strategies that can help and promote inter-agency operations.

The training programs are part of the agreement between the Philippine Public Safety College, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the Joint Program of Instruction for police and military officers that are taking up the Public Safety Officers Senior Executive Course. The memorandum of agreement was signed by the representatives of the PPSC and the AFP. On the side of the PPSC, President Margarita Cojuangco signed the MOA and on the part of the AFP, AFP Chief of Staff General Victor S. Ibrado was on board to sign the memorandum. According to Secretary Ronnie Puno, the training programs that are planned are designed to strengthened and also enhance the cooperation and the coordination between the AFP and the PNP. More importantly, these training programs will focus on the mutual concerns common to the two organizations like the ISO.

In the opinion of undersecretary Cojuangco of the PPSC, these training programs will effectively harmonize and complement the skills and the efforts of the AFP and the PNP in the planning and the implementation process of the policies of the country’s internal security concerns. Thanks to these training programs, officers of the two peace keeping organizations can meet and work together on many aspects. As per the plans shared by Secretary Puno, the first batch of the training will include 134 student officers from the AFP and another 44 from PNP. The training sessions will be held at the PPSC complex in Quezon City. Some of the topics to be covered include knowing the enemy, the National Internal Security Plan, the Civil-Military Operations and a few more.

Continue Reading»

Ronnie Puno cites heroism and dedication of SAF troopers

Secretary Ronnie Puno has cited the heroism and the dedication of the Special Action Troopers during the recent Memorial Day of the SAF. These two main and pervading themes best describe the kind of contributions offered by this special unit under the Philippine National Police. On the same memorial service, the secretary cited the sacrifices and the dedications to service of the select members of the PNP-Special Action Force. On the said Memorial that was conducted at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, the secretary also paid tribute to the dedication and the heroism of the other PNP members who have died in service of the country.

The Special Action Force

This is considered as the primary Special Forces unit of the PNP, and this was modelled after the British Special Air Service. Though the two may be similar on some aspects, the two organizations differ in the way they recruit and select their members. The Special Action Force under the Philippine National Police has received training from many international organizations like the FBI Hostage Rescue Team. The members and the police trainees who undergo training are required to finish a number of special military related training and these trainings are the ones that set them apart from the rest. Once they pass the training programs, the members of the SAF are then distributed regionally or within Metro Manila or the new members are assigned to SWAT units or SWAT training units. This special force of officers under the PNP was created by the general order dated May 12, 1983 under the leadership of then-Philippine Constabulary Chief Lt. General Fidel Ramos and then PC operations officer Colonel Renato de Villa. As of this writing, the Special Action Force is now a brigade-size mobile force known for their commando-type and unconventional warfare. The organization that started with just 149 members has now grown to more than 3000 with only two non-uniformed personnel.

In his statement during the memorial program, Secretary Ronnie Puno said that he has paid special attention to the Special Action Force since his assumption of his post. He said that the group has always lived up to its promise “as the vanguard of our people in defense of freedom, in defense of our democract, in defense of our Constitution and in defense of peace and order”.

Continue Reading»