PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda has ordered the reassignment of nearly 3,000 policemen assigned in areas where they have relatives running in the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to be held on October 30.
In a statement, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the order to reassign the 2,956 personnel is meant to “ensure the integrity and impartiality” of the polls.
“These personnel have been issued reassignment orders to prevent any undue influence or compromise of the electoral process,” said Fajardo, who is also the chief of the PNP Public Information Office.
“They will be reassigned to non-election-related duties until the elections conclude,” she added.
Fajardo said that while the reassignments are prohibited during the election period, which runs from August 28 to November 29, she said that “the PNP is coordinating with the Commission on Elections regarding this movement and future reassignments, as necessary and in the exigency of the service.”
Last August 29, the PNP also recalled 679 policemen who served as security escorts to public officials and private individuals.
“The PNP remains committed to preventing any potential conflict of interest and upholding the principle of neutrality in the electoral process,” said Fajardo.
Acorda cited the importance of maintaining professionalism and impartiality of the PNP during elections.
“The PNP is duty-bound to ensure a fair and unbiased election. We are committed to upholding our role in ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process,” he said.
He added that “to uphold the trust of the people, it is crucial that we act with utmost integrity, neutrality, and dedication to the law.”
