By PSMS Francisco Lindero
Who will survive? This was the question that many people asked in reaction to the country’s top cop General Guillermo Eleazar’s pronouncement against police officers with mistresses. The question seemed to presume that all married policemen are guilty of infidelity. I beg to disagree.
There are policemen, like many other men in other fields, who became unfaithful to their wives. And there are as many reasons as number of policemen who are into the situation.
Regardless of the reason, however, being unfaithful and irresponsible at the same time deserves no excuses – be it committed by a man or a woman. It is unacceptable by any standard.
One issue, however, regarding the subject is the fact that not all ‘unfaithful’ policemen have mistresses, others simply become a woman’s another man.
In the first situation, the (police)men despite their subsisting marriage pursued other women; and by deceit, they gained the trust of their prey. Yes, their women were victims because they were made to believe that the (police)men were eligible to a relationship.
In the second situation, the woman takes the ‘active’ role; she pursues the (police)man despite being privy of the (police)man’s civil status. Until they both fall into the trap. The woman cannot cry foul. She wills the situation. Yet, still the (police)man cannot escape responsibility and accountability.
Either situation the (police)men are at the losing end. Engaging in an extra-marital relationship is a violation of the Code of Ethical Standards of the Philippine National Police. It would be even worse if the infidelity is coupled with abuse. The act should be meted dismissal from the service.
In my years in the PNP, I have noticed significant progress as regards to this issue. Men in uniform have learned from their colleagues’ experience that maintaining another woman is counter-productive. It hurts both the heart and the pocket. It is why ‘modern’ day police(men) are getting more cautious and responsible. They realize that staying faithful to their women make their lives more peaceful and blessed.
This is one thing that people should realize about their police. The police are transforming. They are changing to the better. But, of course, there remains a few, very few, (police)men who create headaches not only for themselves but for the organization. And they are about to take the dose of their own medicines with the Chief PNP Guillermo Eleazar sending the warning.
Now, with the crackdown of policemen with mistresses, who will survive? Many. A great many of the policemen will.
