PNP chief Dionardo Carlos yesterday said policemen currently detailed to politicians and very important persons (VIPs) will be recalled in the coming days, less than two months before the election period begins.
“A complete accounting of police personnel with detail orders to provide security to some public officials and some private individuals is now underway to hasten the recall process,” Carlos said.
Last November 10, the Commission on Elections adopted Resolution 10728 setting the election period from January 9 to June 8. Under the resolution, no person shall employ or avail or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards, either from the PNP, AFP, other government law enforcement agencies and private security providers unless authorized by the Comelec.
It also said that only members of PNP, AFP, Philippine Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry and possess firearms during the election period.
No other persons are allowed to bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons outside their residence or place of business and public places, even if they are covered by license, unless allowed by the poll body.
In a statement, PNP spokesman Col. Roderic Alba said officials and VIPs who will be affected by the gradual recall of police escorts may apply for security detail from the Comelec “upon endorsement of the PNP.”
“The PNP will be steadfast and uncompromising in implementing the provisions of Comelec resolution No. 10728 to ensure peaceful, honest and orderly national elections,” Carlos said.
Carlos added he has given instructions to police commanders last Monday, during a command conference, to comply with the Comelec resolution.
“I have already laid down my guidance to the PNP commanders during the command conference last Monday, and I expect this guidance to be cascaded and adapted in operations planning by lower units,” Carlos said.
