The regional director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) on Monday, Jan. 12, reminded all police personnel to strictly observe ethical standards following a recent shooting incident involving police officers in Negros Oriental.
A policeman killed three police officers and a civilian in Sibulan town on Friday.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, directed Philippine National Police personnel to adhere to Section 3.1 of the PNP Ethical Doctrine, which requires the highest standards of morality, decency, and professionalism.
The provision states that police officers must set good examples and must not be involved in, patronize, or tolerate houses of ill repute, illegal gambling dens, or other establishments devoted to vice unless on official duty within their areas of responsibility.
Ibay stressed that police officers are held to higher ethical standards because of the authority and trust vested in them by the public.
He warned that any conduct, whether on or off duty, that compromises integrity, discipline, and professionalism will not be tolerated.
The regional director also emphasized that ethical accountability goes hand in hand with legal accountability and that strict observance of the PNP Ethical Doctrine is vital in preventing incidents that endanger lives and erode public trust.
PRO-NIR said it remains committed to ethical policing, accountability, and the rule of law and has directed all unit commanders to ensure the reminder is clearly communicated and strictly enforced.*