By Jennifer P. Rendon
As one of the cores of his leadership as head of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), Colonel Noel Aliño will be implementing the “rewards and punishments” principle.
Commendations and awards, support for basic needs, and better assignments await chiefs of police who will perform well in the tasks given, Aliño said.
But for those who will discharge and perform their job mediocrely or below par, an “Amargoso Chair” awaits them.
Amargoso, also known as ampalaya or bitter gourd, is tropical and subtropical vine known for its bitter taste.
“‘Yan ang mapait na simbolo ng katotohanan na wala silang ginagawa sa kanilang trabaho,” Aliño said.
Aliño, who took over the IPPO post less than a week ago, said he would prefer the Amargoso Chair over the usual Kalabasa Award, which is given to subpar performers.
He added that such practice was already announced during his first command conference on Saturday, October 15.
Before introducing the dreaded chair concept, Aliño first asked all 43 chiefs of police in the province if they wanted to keep their position. All answered a resounding yes.
When asked if they want to be relieved or reassigned somewhere else, no one answered.
“Dahil ginusto nila ang trabaho na ‘yan, pangatawanan nila,” Aliño said.
He said they would start with a clean slate.
“We will go back to zero. And from there on, we would record their operational accomplishments, as well as their infractions,” he said.
From that recording, Aliño said they would determine who would make it to the Amargoso list.
Those who will fail their targets will be made to sit on the chair, which would serve as a symbol of their indolence.
It might just be a physical or administrative punishment but it will somehow strip them of their honor and dignity, Aliño added.
“It will forever be imprinted on them until the end of their career,” he said.
Aliño explained that chiefs of police have the power and authority to lead, supervise, and manage their turf.
“‘Pag tamad ang hepe, tamad din ang mga tao niya,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the said command conference, Aliño again stressed the importance of police presence in the PNP’s anti-criminality effort.
“I believe that police visibility somehow gives a sense of security to the public. Sino bang kriminal ang gagawa ng kalokohan kung may nakitang pulis sa kalsada?” he asked.
Aliño has also cited the importance of discipline among personnel.
“We should always lead by example. We should have moral ascendancy for us to be effective law enforcers,” he said.
For those who would go otherwise, Aliño said he will strip them of their firearm, PNP identification card, and badge.
