The Animosity Between the Philippine Military and National Police
Posted on Thursday, 28 January 2016
The
Animosity Between
the
Philippine Military and National Police
by Apolinario Villalobos
The professional jealousy between the
Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
is very obvious. No amount of cover-up can hide it. I have talked to a retired
military officer and he told me that there is a popular impression in the AFP
that the police is apparently pampered not only on the aspect of pay but
benefits as well. My friend added that while the AFP soldiers who are exposed
to the elements and danger of fired bullets from the enemy line in the field,
the police field personnel comfortably commute to their posts on expensive
motorcycles or stay in air-conditioned offices.
On the other hand, when I talked to a
police friend, he told me that compared to the military, they are more
“professional”, as they are degree holders, some even are lawyers, so they
deserve appropriate compensation.
The Mamasapano massacre is one instance
during which this animosity was manifested. Although, on papers, the two
national security agencies are supposed to be “closely coordinating” with each
other, in actual practice, there is much to be perceived. The two parties
practically pointed accusing fingers at each other, for alleged negligence that
led to the gruesome massacre of SAF44 at Tocanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao
Province (Mindanao). Until the re-opened Mamasapano hearing in the Senate has
finally wrapped up, late in the afternoon of 27 January, 2016, the AFP and PNP
are viewed as far from being reconciled.
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