PNP not affected if US suspends assistance; Duterte’s support more important- Cascolan

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan assured that the police force would not be affected if the US would suspend its assistance to the Philippines’ security forces.

Cascolan said at a press briefing that the US is assisting with the PNP’s training, conferences, schoolings, and joint police exercises. He, however, noted that what is important of the PNP is the support of President Rodrigo Duterte.

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“For as long as the Philippine National Police has the support of the President, that’s what we are in. Walang problema sa amin ‘yan for as long as the President supports the PNP, we are very, very happy,” Cascolan said.

“We also have what you call joint military exercises, we also have joint police exercises, but this in no way, if they pull out the support from us, will affect the Philippine National Police,” he added.

“As long as we have the support of President Rodrigo Duterte, we will be doing our job, and the morale of the PNP is still very very high…” Cascolan emphasized.

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Pennsylvania Representative Susan Wild introduced a bill before the US Congress seeking to suspend the American aid to the Philippine police and military to respond to the controversial Anti-terrorism law.

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PNP not affected if US suspends assistance – Cascolan

Wild expressed concern over the human rights violations allegedly committed by security forces. The American lawmaker cited criteria that the Philippines has to meet for their country’s assistance to continue:

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  • Taking steps to guarantee a judicial system that is capable of investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to justice members of the police and military who have committed human rights abuses;
  • Withdrawing the military from domestic policy;
  • Investigating and prosecuting members of the military and police forces who are credibly found to have violated human rights;
  • Establishing protections of the rights of trade unionists, journalists, human right defenders, indigenous persons, small-farmers, LGBTI activists, and critics of the government; and
  • Fully complying with any and all audits or investigations regarding the improper use of security aid.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año meanwhile believed that the Philippine security forces would survive even without the assistance from the US.