ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 1,900 police personnel have been relieved or reassigned because they have relatives running in the barangay polls on Monday, May 14.
Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde said this was done to prevent them from using their influence to support candidates from their families.
"But this does not mean that these policemen are meddling, but just to avoid the possible influence on their place or to support their relatives, because it is strongly prohibited for us to support any candidate even if it is your family or spouse because we are apolitical and should remain apolitical," Albayalde said.
Albayalde warned police officers that those proven to be campaigning for otherwise using their authority to influence the barangay elections.
He said the PNP has been receiving complain and information across the regions of police officers meddling in the campaign.
Albayalde said even a police chief found to have relatives running in the elections in their area will be temporarily relieved until after the elections.
Albayalde also directed police personnel across the country to be on guard, especially in the 7,000 identified hotspot areas.
The national police chief gave the order during a brief visit Thursday to Police Regional Office 9 headquarters on his way to Sulu to assess preparations for the May 14 elections.
Albayalde was impressed by the preparations of the PRO9 under the leadership of Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, who will be deploying more than 8,200 police officers in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Isabela City in Basilan.
"With the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, I expect you to be more vigilant. There are different factors that may affect this elections and that is why we should always be prepared for any eventuality. Let us make this election peaceful, secured and fair as possible we can with the help of the community and other stakeholders," Albayalde said.
Police will continue implementing security measurez like ‘Oplan Sita’ on motorcycles, checkpoint operations and the gun ban during the election period.