Do not campaign for politicians, PNP warns cops

The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership warned all its personnel to refrain from engaging in partisan politics as the campaign fever is expected to heat up after the holidays.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he has been constantly reminding all police commanders of the apolitical stand of the PNP in each of his visits to the provinces.

“It is important. We have been reminding our commanders on the ground not to be partisan, not to participate in any political activity or side with any politician, whether incumbent or a candidate,” said Albayalde.

This is the reason why they had asked commanders and regular personnel to declare if they have relatives who would run in the midterm elections, he said.

Some policemen have been reassigned after declaring that they have relatives running for public office in the areas where they are assigned, it was learned.

Those who would defy his order will be punished accordingly, he said.

“We will not hesitate to relieve those commanders kung meron tayo makitang commander na pumapanig sa mga kandidato,” said Albayalde.

The official explained that it is important that the PNP be non-partisan especially because policemen would be deployed as security forces to ensure clean and honest midterm elections.