ILOILO City – Police General John Bulalacao, Western Visayas police director, discouraged his men from taking selfies with election candidates “to avoid malice.”
A selfie is a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media.
According to Bulalacao, policemen must refrain from participating in partisan activities this election season.
“This is part of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for police officers. Cops must be neutral. Their task is to maintain the security and integrity of the 2019 midterm polls and not to campaign for any candidate,” said Bulalacao.
He confirmed having transferred to other areas policemen who have relatives running in the May 13 midterm polls.
“Let me reiterate my previous statement to all police personnel: our job is to ensure clean and violence-free elections in the entire region,” Bulalacao said.
Erring policemen face administrative sanctions ranging from suspension or dismissal from the service depending on the gravity of the offense.
So far, said Bulalacao, the Police Regional Office 6 has not received any complaint against policemen for partisanship.
Early this year on behalf of the entire police force in Region 6, Bulalacao signed a covenant with the Commission on Elections other stakeholders for orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible midterm elections.
He called on candidates to be true to their pledge and bear in mind that “this election is not for you; this is for your constituents.”/PN
