Toribiong said this during his first police inspection yesterday at the Track and Field.
Toribiong said he will allow promotion under his administration and will only consider the recommendations of Minister Johnny Gibbons because he doesn’t like political influence in the matter of promotion, demotion and discipline.The President added that he will ensure that the Bureau of Public Safety will be politically free.The President said the promotions will depend on the budget.Minister Gibbons in a separate interview said that he will look into this matter and will review all of the performances of the police personnel.“I just got into the office months ago so I need time to review the officers’ performance and will see if they are qualified to the promotions. It will also depend on the recommendation of the Chiefs and the Director of the Bureau,” Gibbons said.Gibbons and Bureau of Public Safety Director Norvert Yano escorted the President during the inspection of uniformed personnel.Toribiong told the officers to make sure that the uniform they wear fits and that they look presentable because their uniform symbolizes the law.He also said that he will do everything he can to help the officers become physically fit because one of the responsibilities of the law enforcement officers is to be able to enforce the law physically.“I salute you because your director has proven to be very capable and I would like to make sure you enforce the law objectively because the law is blind and must be enforced regardless of one’s political, social and cultural status,” Toribiong said.The President also commended the Chiefs, the Director of the Bureau of Public Safety and the Minister of Justice for doing a great job in keeping the peace and order in Palau and in enforcing the laws in Palau.
