PNP Chief Commits to Eight-Hour Duty for Policemen
Some policemen have been caught sleeping on duty because they are forced to work 12-hour shifts daily. This issue arises from the current long working hours, which newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has vowed to correct. He promised to implement an eight-hour duty for policemen nationwide to improve their well-being and job performance.
“I will really implement an eight-hour duty on our policemen, why? Because they are also human beings, they are not machines,” Torre said. The four-word keyphrase “eight-hour duty for policemen” highlights the core of this new policy.
Reducing Work Hours to Improve Focus and Efficiency
Currently, many policemen endure 12-hour shifts, totaling up to 72 hours a week. This goes beyond the labor code, which limits working hours to 40 per week. Torre emphasized that this excessive workload is unfair and unsustainable.
“You know, our policemen are working right now for 72 hours. So we will try to make a system that will reduce the working hours. But in exchange, we will be looking for quality time,” he explained. By quality time, Torre means that when policemen are on duty, they should be fully focused on their responsibilities.
Strict Measures Against Sleeping on Duty
Torre also warned that policemen who continue to sleep while on duty, especially in Metro Manila, will face immediate dismissal. “After this and you still see policemen sleeping while on duty, especially here in Metro Manila, just tell me and we will dismiss them immediately,” he declared.
This new policy aims to protect the welfare of policemen and ensure that they serve the public efficiently. Local leaders noted that this change could lead to better law enforcement and safer communities.
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