PNP scraps training for cops before elections

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde yesterday ordered the cancellation of training and other types of schooling for police officers.

Albayalde issued the directive to provide more warm bodies who will secure the campaign season and the conduct of elections in May.

“All those undergoing schooling or training will stop and they will be deployed for election duties,” he said.

The vacation leaves of police personnel are also cancelled.

The PNP, with a strength of 192,000 officers and personnel, is tasked to secure the elections supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other force multipliers.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac said there are about 2,000 police officers under schooling such as field exercises and seminars on human rights and investigation.

The policemen will be deployed to checkpoint and other security-related operations.