Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Eleazar ordered on Monday the accounting of policemen whose relatives and family members are running for local positions in the May 2022 elections.
The PNP chief issued the directive in order to ensure that policemen will not engage in partisan politics.
“As part of our commitment to continuously isolate the PNP from partisan politics, I have already instructed all chiefs of police to start the accounting of their respective personnel whose relatives have already filed their COCs or would certainly run for public office in the May elections,” Eleazar said.
“The purpose is to possibly reassign them eventually in other areas outside the cities, municipalities and provinces where relatives of our personnel would seek elective posts,” he added.
Citing cases in the past, Eleazar explained that the PNP received complaints and reports about some policemen who actively campaigned for their relatives and intervened on their behalf.
He said that while most of the allegations are not true, reassigning police officers would shield them from harassments and from being victims of false allegations.
“This is to ensure that any of our personnel would not be given the opportunity to intervene and likewise prevent speculations and allegations in the future that the PNP is engaging in partisan politics, especially at the local level,” Eleazar said.
He vowed the police organization will remain apolitical and will ensure no one will violate the commitment.
Meanwhile, Eleazar said the filing of the COCs and Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance has remained peaceful and orderly, and hopes it will remain until October 8, its last day.