In order to stop the formation of political private armies everywhere, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) now wants to amend a provision in Republic Act (RA) 6975 that gives local executives the power to choose their police officials.

Atty. Eduardo Escueta, Napolcom vice chairman, said yesterday that major changes need to be made to RA 6975 – better known Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act of 1990 – to prevent governors and mayors from abusing the use of their police force.

Under Section 51, governors and mayors have the right to choose the police chief of their respective areas from a short list of five eligible names provided by the local police director.

Acting as deputies, the local officials also retain operational supervision and control over the PNP, meaning they have the power to direct, superintend, oversee and inspect their police units. (Ellson Quismorio)