Alyansa senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson urged the Philippine National Police to remain apolitical as the May 12 midterm elections approach.
Lacson said while police personnel are free to form friendships with candidates, their primary responsibility is to maintain peace and order and to avoid involvement in partisan politics.
“Remain apolitical. That is the rule of the PNP, that when there is an election or other political exercise, they should not take sides,” he said.
As a former PNP chief, Lacson noted that police regional directors and local commanders should monitor their personnel to ensure adherence to this guideline.
“They are tasked with maintaining peace and order, so the PNP leadership must remain vigilant. Regional directors and commanders should monitor their officers to prevent engagement in partisan politics,” he said.
Additionally, Lacson urged candidates for national and local elections to refrain from using their police connections for political gain, warning that this could lead to complications.
“Let’s not put our policemen in a difficult position. They will be held accountable if there is evidence of their involvement in partisan politics,” he said.
