Cops moonlighting as pols’ escorts warned

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde yesterday warned policemen against moonlighting as security escorts of politicians in motorcades and other campaign sorties.

Albayalde said police officers are not allowed to act as escorts of political convoys and private cars of rich casino players.

He said policemen are also barred from escorting funeral processions.

“Bawal po iyan, yung pag-escort ng patay na ililibing. Noon pa pinagbabawal yan pati ang pag-escort ng VIPs (very important persons),” Albayalde said in a radio interview over dzMM.

Violators may face administrative sanctions, the PNP chief said.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Fajardo, director of the Highway Patrol Group, said they would not hesitate to confiscate the motorcycles of policemen providing security assistance to political convoys.

“That is not allowed and we will take the motorcycles from them,” he said.

Fajardo said police officers should refrain from securing the motorcades of candidates in the midterm elections as they could be accused of bias.

“Bawal ang PNP na mag-escort lalo na sa political rallies because that will show bias toward the candidates,” he said.