The Philippine National Police (PNP) withdrew its support towards the hit television show “Ang Probinsyano” by banning the producers of the show from using the police force’s assets including patrol cars, firearms, personnel, and venues.
In a memorandum issued to all PNP offices, Police Community Relations Director Eduardo Garado advised the members of the police force to refrain from assisting the crew of the TV show.
“All units, offices, and personnel are advised to immediately refrain from assisting, to withdraw their support to the production of the said teleserye in terms of PNP resources like patrol cars, firearms, personnel, venues, and other items and gadgets being used in the teleserye,” Garado said.
Garado said the show did not act on the “daily wrongful portrayal of PNP Officers as corrupt and ineffective” despite its promise to respond to the concerns of the PNP regarding the plot of the show.
“While our PNP legal officers are studying our legal options, there is a need to immediately withdraw the PNP’s assistance, if there is any, in the production of the teleserye,” Garado said.
On November 16, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya said that the department is also considering filing charges against the producers of the show.
“We will seriously consider filing legal action and imposing sanctions including the prohibition on the use of PNP uniforms, properties and even using the acronym of the organization (PNP) if “Ang Probinsyano” continues with their grossly unfair and inaccurate portrayal of our police force,” Malaya said.
In response, lawyer Romulo Macalintal said that the “PNP should not be too thin-skinned when their functions and duties are subjected to scrutiny by the public.”
Macalintal added that the show has a disclaimer in the beginning of its episodes that the characters and plot of the show are only a work of fiction.
“Let it go as it is and let the Filipino people enjoy a wholesome entertainment where the family members could learn the true value of heroism and dedication and integrity in public service,” Macalintal said.
