The Philippine National Police (PNP)’s capacity to investigate crimes will soon get a much-needed boost.
This after the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, accepted Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s proposed amendment to Senate Bill No. 2449 to add personnel to the Regional Forensic Unit-National Capital Region (NCR).
According to the approved organizational structure and staffing pattern of the RFU-NCR Headquarters, there are currently only 20 assigned personnel.
Cayetano’s amendment to SB 2449, which seeks further organizational reforms to the PNP and recently passed its second reading, aims to ensure “a sufficient number of personnel” to fulfill the forensic group’s duties and better serve functions related to investigating and analyzing physical evidence in crimes.
To be led by a Police Major General, the forensic group will conduct examinations and identify physical evidence, focusing on the medical, chemical, biological, and physical nature of cases.
The addition of personnel to the unit will support the ongoing modernization of crime laboratories in the country, providing more available personnel to better facilitate crime investigations.
The amendment reflects Cayetano’s commitment to advancing the field of science and supporting the country’s forensic unit by ensuring there are enough personnel to efficiently conduct crime investigations.
Another approved amendment to the bill changes the compulsory retirement age for uniformed personnel in the PNP from 57 to 56 years.
This change allows individuals at the age of 56 to retire earlier, providing them with an option to leave the service at a younger age.
