Police Must Lead by Example, Not Fear: Napolcom Chief Calinisan

The recent controversy involving Rizal police officer Cpl. Simeon Suan and the arrest of a 76-year-old senior citizen has once again raised a fundamental question: What kind of police force do we want serving the Filipino people?

A viral video showing a handcuffed elderly man being dragged to a vehicle after a minor traffic incident sparked public outrage. While the facts surrounding the encounter remain subject to investigation, the images were enough to trigger concerns about the use of authority, restraint, and respect in law enforcement.

National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Rafael Calinisan, during the Kapihan ng Samahang  Plaridel forum said,  it was correct in emphasizing that government agencies cannot remain silent when incidents that affect public trust unfold before the eyes of the nation. His assertion that authorities must keep the public informed reflects a basic principle of democratic governance: accountability. Public servants, especially those entrusted with enforcing the law, must be answerable to the people they serve.

More importantly, the incident highlights the higher standard expected from police officers. The badge is not merely a symbol of power; it is a symbol of responsibility. Police officers are expected to protect lives, preserve peace, and uphold the dignity of every individual regardless of age, status, or circumstance. When dealing with ordinary citizens, particularly vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, professionalism and restraint should always prevail.

Law enforcement officers often operate under pressure and face difficult situations. Yet their training, authority, and responsibilities demand that they remain calm and measured even during conflict. The public expects them to be problem-solvers, not contributors to tension. A simple traffic mishap should never escalate into an incident that leaves citizens questioning whether justice is being served with compassion and fairness.

Trust in law enforcement is built not through force but through consistent demonstrations of integrity, discipline, and respect. Every encounter between a police officer and a citizen either strengthens or weakens that trust.

The lesson from this incident is clear. Police officers must not only enforce the law; they must embody its highest ideals. They should be examples of good conduct, guardians of public safety, and protectors of human dignity. The people deserve nothing less.