The Philippine National Police on Monday warned all its personnel from engaging in partisan politics as the campaign fever is expected to heat up next month.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he has been constantly reminding all police commanders about the apolitical stand of the PNP during his every visit 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 candidate,” said Albayalde.
This is the reason, according to Albayalde, they have asked police commanders and regular personnel to declare if they have relatives running in the midterm elections in May.
Some policemen have been reassigned after declaring on their own that they have relatives running for public office in the areas where they are assigned.
Albayalde said those who would defy his order will certainly be punished accordingly.
“We will not hesitate to relieve these commanders kung meron tayo makitang commander ng pumapanig sa mga kandidato,” said Albayalde.
He explained that it is important that the PNP be non-partisan especially that policemen would be deployed as security forces to ensure clean and honest midterm elections. (Aaron Recuenco)