Albayalde reminds cops: Stay neutral

CEBU, Philippines — Amid intense political rivalry in some areas, policemen should stay neutral, PNP chief Oscar Albayalde reminded his men during a recent command visit in Central Visayas.

Albayalde first visited Camp Francisco Dagohoy in Bohol last Wednesday and, on the following day, dropped by Camp Sergio Osmeña, the regional police headquarters in Central Visayas, in Cebu City.

In his speeches, he reiterated to his men not to be involved in politics. He said as agents of the law, the police should “stay in the middle.”

“Do not be partisan. Stay neutral and at all times, do not be biased. Arrest who needs arresting,” Albayalde said in his speech in Tagbilaran City on Wednesday.

Albayalde also lamented why cops are often blamed by politicians for their misfortunes during elections when, in fact, their only job is to prevent any untoward incidents.

The PNP chief has been visiting police headquarters around the country in hopes of reminding his men on their roles in the May 13 midterm elections.

In an open-door security briefing for the elections, Albayalde directed Police Regional Office-7 director Brigadier General Debold Sinas not to rely so much on force multipliers.

He said that with over 9,000 policemen, Sinas can still manage to help other regional offices and still fully secure all areas of the region.

He also instructed Sinas to make sure all deployed cops secure their respective cellphone units, personal and service-issued, to ensure faster and efficient communication, especially in far-flung barangays.

He also directed all station commanders to also practice giving firm instructions to their men.

Albayalde added that all election-related incidents should be referred to concerned election officer first.

“Alam niyo ang dos and don’ts dito kasi kayo ang nag-attend, kaya  I advise you to go around and talk to your men; tell them what to do and what must not be done. Palagi na tayo sa elections, at least this time, we make an effort na it will be more peaceful,” Albayalde said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Sinas, during the briefing, assured Albayalde that all instructions will be properly cascaded down to his men and necessary adjustments be made.

Sinas said that they are almost ready with all security preparations and that deployment will be done three days before elections.

He also echoed Albayalde’s advice for the police to stay neutral. Sinas reiterated that cops with reported links to candidates have been given other assignments. (FREEMAN)