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Eleazar wants tally of cops with kin running in 2022 polls

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

October 4, 2021, 1:25 pm

<p><em>(File photo courtesy of PNP)</em></p>

(File photo courtesy of PNP)

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Monday ordered all chiefs of police to identify police officers who have relatives running in next year's elections, especially at the local level.

“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 the COC or would certainly run for public office in the May elections. The purpose is to possibly re-assign them eventually in other areas outside the cities, municipalities, and provinces where relatives of our personnel would seek elective posts,” he added in a statement.

Citing cases in the past years, Eleazar said there were complaints and reports about some policemen actively campaigning for their relatives and engaging in partisan politics.

While some of the allegations are not true, Eleazar emphasized that these incidents only show that police officers may also be subjected to harassment and 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,” said Eleazar.

Eleazar also vowed the police force would remain apolitical.

Meanwhile, Eleazar said the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COCs) and Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) for next year's elections nationwide has so far remained peaceful and orderly.

Nasa kalagitnaan na tayo ng filing of COC at ng CONA at nananatiling maayos at tahimik ang prosesong ito sa nakalipas na tatlong araw (We are in the middle of filing of COC and CONA and this process has remained smooth and peaceful for the past three days.). We have prepared well for this, and we are confident that the peaceful and orderly filing of COCs and CONAs will be maintained until the last day,” Eleazar said. (PNA)

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