Monitor cops’ mental, emotional health–Eleazar

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday directed police commanders to strictly monitor the behavior of their personnel, especially those manifesting signs of emotional and mental health problems. 

“Mental health should not be ignored. Just like our physical body, it also needs to be given focus and cared for,” Eleazar said in a statement. 

The directive came following a reported suicide attempt by a police trainee of the PNP Maritime Group in Rosario, Cavite. 

Based on initial reports, the 25-year-old trainee was found wounded at the rooftop of his boarding house on Sunday and was rushed to the Divine Grace Hospital for medical treatment. 

The police trainee, who was diagnosed with depression, survived the self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Eleazar said the incident shows the importance of regularly checking on cops’ mental health. 

“As early as in the training stage, we can say that what cops are going through is not a joke. This is why I reiterate the importance of subjecting all personnel to neuro-psychiatric tests to determine if they are mentally and emotionally capable of being part of the organization. This kind of test will greatly help in preventing personnel from inflicting harm on themselves or on other people,” he added. 

Eleazar earlier said he is seriously considering suggestions to subject all police personnel to regular neuro-psychiatric tests in the wake of incidents of violence involving cops, including that of Master Sgt. Hensie Zinampan, who was caught on video fatally shooting his neighbor in Barangay Greater Fairview, Quezon City. 

In December last year, Staff Sgt. Jonel Nuezca was dismissed from the service and is now facing criminal charges for killing two of his neighbors in Paniqui, Tarlac.