PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy 187,000 police officers across the country as part of heightened alert measures for two important events --the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and the commemoration of the Undas (All Saints' and All Souls’ Days) holidays.
This comes as the 10-day campaign period for the village and youth polls kicks off on Thursday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday.
Fajardo also reminded police officers that they are only limited to documenting poll campaign violations.
"They would document and report these to their respective election officers and it will be up to the election officers to issue and send notices to the candidates, particularly illegal campaign materials that are placed outside common poster areas," she said.
Fajardo said police officers cannot join campaign sorties of candidates in compliance with the PNP's non-partisan stance.
“On the part of the PNP, at the general areas of activities, we can provide additional personnel to make sure that the campaign sorties are peaceful and of course, our intention is to maintain peace and order in those engagement areas. If you see police officers providing route security, this is only for venue security purposes and the maintenance of peace and order but not to a particular candidate," she added.
Fajardo further said the PNP would strictly implement money ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to combat vote buying and selling.
"The Comelec has clear rules that you can carry cash worth PHP500,000 and above as long as you can provide justifications on why you have it. Of course, those exempted include businessmen, disbursing officers and cashiers, but once you arrive at the checkpoint and you have an authority to carry that from your company, you would be allowed to pass," she said.
"But if you carry that amount of cash and you also have campaign materials and you cannot explain the purpose of carrying that large sum of cash, the PNP personnel manning the checkpoint would report it to the Comelec and it would up to the Comelec to issue show cause orders against you," she added.
Manila gets new top cop
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed newly assumed Manila Police District (MPD) director Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay to prepare his action plan to ensure a peaceful BSKE in the city.
Ibay succeeded Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon in a turnover of command ceremony at the MPD on Wednesday.
Dizon was designated as the new PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (PRBS) director, replacing Brig. Gen. Niño David Licos Rabaya.
"We wish you good luck in your future endeavors and bring with you our sincerest gratitude for all your hard work and efforts in leading the Manila Police District,” Nartatez told Dizon.
The NCRPO chief also wished Ibay well in his new assignment and reminded the MPD to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. (PNA)
