The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) has joined the nationwide campaign on good governance “Disiplina Muna” led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The campaign, officially launched in the region down to the various local police stations on Monday, promotes the concept of good governance and the culture of discipline in nation-building.

DILG-6 Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, in his message during the launch, said the campaign speaks of real good governance where the “citizenry is aware of their roles and responsibilities” and performs actively in nation-building.

“We are confident that the success of this campaign will be seamless,” Ingeniero said as he cited the participation of local government units, faith-based organizations, academe, media, and private sector.

In the press conference that followed, Police Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, PRO-6 chief, said before the launch of the advocacy, the regional headquarters already initiated the “Stronger PRO-6” where various programs were introduced to raise the dignity of every police officer in Western Visayas.

Police officers, Pamuspusan said, are encouraged to observe self-discipline on the way they carry their uniforms, how they compose themselves, and in dealing with the citizens.

“We also encouraged them to make their police stations ready for their community. If there are complaints, everyone should be ready. Their police stations should be functional and at least presentable,” he added.

Pamuspusan said because they could not be perfect, they continue to address the “few” who commit acts that are inconsistent with the rules and regulations of their organization.

In an interview on Tuesday, Col. Gilbert Gorero, PRO-6 spokesperson, said the advocacy would “sustain the gains on road-clearing activities, disaster preparedness and resilience, anti-smoking, ease of doing business, liquor ban, cleanup drive, and functional barangay anti-drug abuse council.”

To gauge the success of the campaign, Gorero said there should be no abusive police officers in terms of behavior and integrity.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief, Gen. Archie F. Gamboa, will lead the inauguration of five new buildings of the PRO-6 on July 15, as part of “bringing back the dignity of the police.” (PNA)