Davao cops warned vs playing Pokemon

THE Police Regional Office (PRO) in Davao Region joined other government agencies which issued a warning against trending mobile game Pokemon Go.

Davao police regional director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan issued Wednesday a memorandum for city and provincial police personnel, particularly officers, not to install and/or use their issued mobile devices for the Pokemon game.

Gaerlan said the memorandum prohibits installation of mobile game applications specifically the Pokemon Go, the Poke Reader and the Pokefinder by police on issued smartphones, tablets and Ipads.

"The memorandum warns that mobile applications of unknown source can allow sensitive data and vital information stored on the mobile device to be accessed by persons who created the programs, among other things," Gaerlan said.

All heads of the police offices and units are also directed to ensure that the more than 4,000 issued post-paid cellular phones and telephones are utilized by the recipients under its control primarily in the performance of their functions.

Gaerlan directed the city and provincial police directors to advice concerned subordinates for the immediate removal of the game applications from their phones to prevent hacking, cyber attacks, information leaks and operational risks.

"Failure to comply with the preceding instruction shall be administratively dealt with accordingly pursuant to National Police Commission (Napolcom) law and without prejudice of filing criminal charges as provided by the law," he said.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Senior Inspector Catherine dela Rey, in an interview, assured their office will adhere to the directive. She added that they do not allow its police to play mobile games while on duty.

"We cannot provide the people the right services kung mudula mi ana. Imbis mag trabaho, mag balantayon, mag sige na nuon dutdot sa phone. Make sure if we play mobile games dili makahamper sa ato responsibilities," dela Rey said.

Dela Rey also advised the public, especially the young ones to ensure their safety. She said it would be better to play a Pokemon Go and/or any mobile games with companions at the right time and at the right place.