Mar warns vs cops illegaly securing pols

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the Philippine National Police to strictly implement the rules on the provision of security details to candidates in line with the election gun ban.

 

Roxas also called on the public to report any incident of policemen providing unauthorized security to politicians and vowed to the department will immediately act on such reports.

 

"If we see even a photo of unauthorized PNP personnel near or in the company of candidates, that will be enough evidence to start administrative and criminal proceedings against the offenders. I want to ensure that the PNP remains neutral in the conduct of the May 2013 elections and all its personnel to stay out of politics," he said.

 

Roxas made the directive to prevent police personnel from being used as private armies by politicians.

 

He said the guidelines for the implementation of the Secure and Fair Election (SAFE 2013) plan are contained in Philippine National Police memorandum circular 01, including the strict implementation of rules in the carrying of firearms by authorized security personnel and other authorized individuals.

 

The circular also provides, among others, that policemen who have relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity who are candidates in areas where the cops are assigned shall be temporarily reassigned to other units.

 

Roxas said violators shall be liable for grave misconduct.

 

The Commission on Election is currently implementing a gun ban beginning Sunday, Jan. 13, the start of the election period. 

 

The Comelec is also the only agency authorized to issue exemptions to candidates who wish to avail of security details from the PNP during the election period.