23 ‘low-performing’ cops undergo refresher courses

AT least 23 “low-performing” policemen, including 18 from Camotes Islands, east of Cebu, are currently undergoing refresher courses to reorient themselves with the basics of police work.

The two-week Balik Eskwela program started yesterday at the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO).

Senior Supt. Eric Noble, CPPO director, said he was not satisfied with the performance of the concerned police officers but believed they are still capable of improving themselves.

“Baka pagod lang sila. Kung baga sa basketball, kailangan ng substitution (Perhaps, they are just tired. Like in basketball, they need substitution),” Noble said in an interview.

Operatives from the Regional Public Safety Battalion will temporarily replace the 23 policemen in their respective assignments.

After the program, Noble will determine whether or not the concerned non-commissioned policemen, with ranks from police officer 1 to senior police officer 4, will go back to their previous assignments.

“It depends on our assessment. I’ll study about it,” he said.

More policemen in the province of Cebu, he said, will also undergo refresher courses in the coming days.

“Ang gusto ko lang ay manggigil sila (I want them to be motivated). I want to encourage them. What I want are policemen who are not afraid to implement the law and who are angry at illegal drugs,” Noble said.

The CPPO chief admitted that illegal drugs have become rampant in Camotes Islands, and the four police stations there failed to address the problem.

Noble said all policemen should step up efforts to eliminate illegal drugs and to ensure peace and order in all places.