MANILA, Philippines - Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Jesse Robredo said the Arroyo administration cannot escape responsibility for the poor state of skills and equipment of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In an interview with DZMM on Thursday, Robredo said the Aquino administration inherited the poor state of the PNP from the previous government.
“Without defending the president, without defending the administration, ang difference po, hindi pa nakaka-60 days [ang gobyerno]. Ibig sabihin yung gamit, yung training ng pulis is a carry over from the previous administration,” he said.
He said the new administration, through the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), is still assessing the capabilities of the police force.
Robredo added that if Aquino has been in office as long as former President Gloria Arroyo, and there are still defeciencies and apparent lack of training, he would have understood critics’ call for his [Robredo] resignation.
“Ako po, titignan ko lang yung humihingi ng mag ulo namin. Kung ang motibo nila ay para sa kabutihan ng bansa, sa palagay ko we should go, pero kung ang motibo po nila ay gamitin ang pagkakataon na ito para siraan ang administrasyon na ito, palagay po hindi kami makikinig,” he added.
On Wednesday, allies of former President Gloria Arroyo in the House of Representatives called for the resignation of 3 Cabinet officials, including Robredo, for the failed rescue mission.
Robredo pointed out that the DILG leadership essentially deals with policy-making, and does not give commands to the police. Following protocol
Robredo also explained they also follow protocol, which states that criminal matters be initially handled at the lowest level.
In the August 23 hostage crisis, it was handled by the Manila Police District and a crisis management committee.
“Ang policy of po kasi dito, these matters should be handled at the lowest level as much as possible. The public might disagree,” Robredo said.
“Ang pananaw ko [simula noong na-report and hostage-taking] hanggang ala-sais [ng gabi], [everything was] going on as planned. Ang most important thing then was asikasuhin ‘yung biktima (hostages),” he said.
Then MPD Chief Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay was the one in charge of the team, said Robredo.
He also added that although he was not at the scene of the crime, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Magtibay, and some generals were in Emerald restaurant in Manila and constantly communicated with the negotiating team in Rizal Park.
“We were communitcating with each other. Talagang sinadya na walang mag-picture. Ang presence is not only physical presence, but overseeing what was happening. Low-key, low-level... Ang tingin ko po, ginagawa nila yung dapat nilang gawin,” Robredo said.
Investigation continues
Investigations into the bus hostage-taking crisis will continue, he said.
The DILG formed an agreement with the justice department to create a committee composed of Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and 3 members who are not from government.
Anti-crime advocate Tessie Ang See and Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) President Herman Besbaño have reportedly agreed to be part of the committee.
The committee is waiting for the PNP forensic reports. He said the committee will validate and verify the results of the investigation.
“May implikasyon sa paniwala sa pamahalaan [and results] kaya kailangan siguraduhin na kung ano ang lalalabas sa report na ito ay yun ang katotohanan,” Robredo said. “Kapag may duda, ivavalidate namin.” - with Radyo DZMM