ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has intensified its monitoring of police officers accused of moonlighting and performing menial tasks for senior officials, businessmen, and politicians. Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the PRO-6 director, emphasized the importance of vigilance among city and provincial directors down to the municipal police stations.
He reiterated his directive against the misuse of lower-ranking officers as “slaves” or errand boys by their superiors and other high-profile individuals.
“As of now, we have not monitored any lower ranks being turned into errand boys. However, should any officer be found engaging in extra work or moonlighting, they will face administrative sanctions,” Wanky said.
This PRO-6 enforcement aligns with the orders from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who recently mandated an end to the practice of exploiting lower-ranking police officers.
“Let us respect our uniform, let us bring back the dignity of our uniform,” said Marbil, citing the prohibition against police acting as drivers, personal bodyguards, or even umbrella holders for civilians.
The directive by Marbil was inspired by his observations of uniformed personnel performing subservient roles, such as holding umbrellas for VIPs, a task beneath their professional duties.
Persistent reports have also surfaced about policemen being employed as personal and family drivers, particularly those assigned to the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG).
“It is not the police’s job to carry an umbrella for somebody. It is not their role to serve as personal assistants, drivers, or bodyguards,” said Marbil.
While Wanky noted that no specific cases have been detected in Region 6, he confirmed that monitoring efforts are ongoing.
“Our police are aware of the order, but any violation is considered moonlighting, which is strictly prohibited and degrading for the police,” he added./PN
