Tenant Locked Out Sparks Police Intervention in Parañaque
A tenant in Parañaque City faced a distressing situation when the apartment owner locked him out over unpaid rent. Seeking to retrieve his appliances and personal items, the tenant promptly went to a local police sub-station for help. However, the officers redirected him, saying it was a barangay issue and advised him to visit the barangay hall instead.
The tenant followed their advice only to be turned away by barangay officials, who believed that a crime had already occurred when he was denied entry to his unit. Frustrated, he reached out to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who immediately instructed the police to assist the tenant.
Police Chief Demands Proper Assistance
Gen. Torre emphasized that police should never turn away anyone seeking help. “I talked to the policemen on duty to tell them that if they think it was a barangay matter, then they must go with the complainant to the barangay, clear and simple,” he said. He further added, “I don’t want any person seeking assistance to be sent away from police station. Our policemen should always be there to help.”
Since taking office, Torre has mandated all police officers to respond promptly to all complaints, especially those involving peace and order. He explained that police serve as neutral mediators in conflicts, no matter how minor, and their presence is vital in resolving disputes.
Police Role Crucial in Tenant-Owner Dispute
In this specific case, the police intervention helped convince the apartment owner to allow the tenant to retrieve his belongings. “So that night they separated ways under the auspices of the police. This means that it can be done, so let us do it,” Torre noted.
The incident raises a pertinent question: would a complainant need connections within the police force to get timely assistance? Torre firmly rejects this notion, insisting that responding to all calls for help should be a standard procedure for every policeman. This approach is key to restoring public trust and confidence in the PNP.
Building Trust Through Active Police Response
Failing to assist those in need damages the police’s reputation, Torre warned. He reiterated his promise to strengthen partnerships between the police and the community. “We will strengthen our partnerships with the public so that we can better understand local needs and respond to them with empathy and precision,” he said.
This case in Parañaque highlights the importance of police responsiveness in conflict resolution. It demonstrates how active intervention can de-escalate tensions and provide immediate relief to those affected.
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