Manila, Sept. 17 -- Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), underscored the shared mission of the police and the media in serving the public, but urged the latter to always hold the Philippine National Police accountable.

"But partnership does not mean that you stop asking difficult questions. Quite the opposite. Ask us. Challenge us. Hold us accountable," Reales said during his meet and greet with reporters at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Jr. here Wednesday night.

The PRO-NIR chief, who assumed the post on Sept. 7, said that "a strong police organization should never be afraid of legitimate questions."

"We should welcome scrutiny when it helps us improve our service and strengthen...