01 February 2011

On the country's police

The Philippine National Police (PNP), established by Republic Act 6975, has been mandated to ‘enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security.’ But that’s ‘with the active support of the community.’ Hmmm, what’s that supposed to mean?

In a Pinoy soap opera, the police heeded a criminal when he had asked to be left alone. That’s even upon seeing two people are in danger. That’s even upon knowing another civilian would commit a crime. That’s even upon arming themselves with high-caliber rifles and training rigorously beforehand.

Of course, that scene was just a set up. How could Mariz’ (Maja Salvador) lover die if Anthony (Sam Milby) has not been left behind? How could he show his bravery and love? The drama would have been abrupt if those circumstances did not happen.

But why then a scenario such as that is still portrayed in TV? (international in this case, for ABS-CBN has The Filipino Channel in foreign countries) It only adds to the confusion. If soap operas are not to be believed, why do the majority of the Filipinos Pilipina Ako knows still lack faith in the PNP?

In another Pinoy soap opera, the police discontinued a criminal investigation for financial favor. That scene was required them to reiterate the plot of the story: evil is nurtured by people’s wrong doings. The monster thriving in that Pinoy soap opera feeds on the evil that caused it: sexually abusive men.

It is ironic that something meant only to tickle one’s mind would be believed. Even more when the majority of Filipinos would be disgusted when police officers had sided with antagonists, but disappointed when those politicians or those police officers react otherwise. That is usually only when these viewers would regard the soap opera as it is.

“In the next 20 years, the Philippine National Police (PNP) envisions to evolve into a highly-professional, dynamic and motivated organization working in partnership with a responsive community towards the attainment of a safe place to live, work, invest and do business.”

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