(Eagle News) — Philippine National Police Chief Guillermo Eleazar has apologized to teachers after a tarpaulin put up by the police as part of its information drive against sexual abuse in Sorsogon named instructors as possible perpetrators.
In a statement, Eleazar said the move was “discriminatory” and “insulting.”
He said Sorsogon City police officials would be made to explain the incident, for which they already apologized.
The local police have also coordinated with officials from the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education on the matter.
Citing information from Sorsogon Police Provincial Ofifice Chief, Police Colonel Art Brual, PGen Eleazar said the tarpaulins have already been removed.
“While I fully understand that the intention of the information drive is noble, it is clearly discriminatory and insulting to our teachers who have been working hard especially in this time of pandemic and who have been serving as the second parents of our children,” Eleazar said.
Eleazar reminded all PNP personnel to consider all possible outcomes of their actions and to be sensitive when launching programs.
He noted that postings, whether tarpaulins or those posted in social media, should always be reviewed thoroughly.
“Ang mga guro ay matagal na naming kaagapay sa aming (Teacher have been with us side by side in our) peace and order advocacies and I sincerely hope that this lapse in judgment on the part of some of our personnel will not serve as a setback in our long-standing partnership towards a peaceful community and responsible citizenship,” he said.
“Gaya nang lagi nating sinasabi, hindi natin pagtatakpan at paninidigan ang mali. Sa halip ay itatama natin ito upang hindi na maulit pa (As we said, we won’t cover up and stand by our mistakes. Instead, we will find ways to correct them and ensure they will not be repeated),” the Chief PNP said.