Davao police to implement one-strike policy

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

DAVAO CITY— The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 is ready to implement the “one-strike policy” during the Christmas season.

PRO 11 public information officer Chief Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna said that based on the order released by PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, the moment the police official could not solve crimes such as indiscriminate firing in just 24 hours, the station commander would be automatically sacked.

“Within 24 hours, if the case will not be solved, if the suspect will not be immediately identified, the higher office will relieve the station commander or the chief of police,” she said.

Dela Cerna said last year, the PNP did not tape or shut the service firearms of the police during holiday season unlike in the past.

According to Dela Cerna, regional director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan already gave an order to all station commanders all over the region about the one-strike policy.

All units should have already their own security measures for the holiday season, too, she added.

She said chief of police would be relieved from the position if their police would be overrun by the lawless armed groups.

“Kapag naatake ang kanilang istasyon at nakita na wala man lang naka-retaliate sa mga lawless armed groups, hindi nakapaghanda so isa yan sa one-strike policy ng ating regional director (If their police station will be attacked by the lawless armed groups and no retaliation and no defense preparation could be seen on their part, that will be subject for the one-strike policy),” she said.

Dela Cerna said Gaerlan told all police officials to intensify their security operations in their respective area of responsibility because December 26 is the anniversary of Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).