No police officers in Lacson’s campaign

Former Philippine National Police chief Panfilo Lacson yesterday clarified that the policemen who provided him security in his sorties in Zamboanga City and Davao City were provided by the local officials who invited him to their respective provinces.

Lacson, who is running for senator under the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), made the statement amid reports that the PNP leadership is set to investigate seven police generals and four other senior officers for allegedly helping in his electoral campaign.

Lacson said he was invited by Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat to be the guest of honor and speaker during the city’s charter day anniversary last Tuesday.

"All the policemen who provided us security in Zamboanga City got their orders from the local officials to ensure the peaceful and orderly rally in the city. It was just incidental that I am campaigning as senator when I was invited to be the guest of honor," Lacson said.

Lacson said his sortie in Davao City last Wednesday was organized by his civilian supporters, mostly businessmen who have been supportive of him as chief of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force and later, as PNP Director General.

Lacson identified some of his supporters as Dondon Uy of Tagum City, who owns Dencio’s chain of restaurants in Davao City; Chino Go, abaca trader in Davao City; Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Wong, engaged in car dealership; Mr. and Mrs. Avelino Reyes, engaged in trucking business and banana supplier in Luzon, and Datu Ibrahim "Toto" Paglas, banana magnate of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

Lacson’s motorcade around Davao City caused a traffic jam in the city’s major thoroughfares as thousands of Davaoeños lined up along the streets to get a glimpse of the LDP candidate.

Lacson, however, stressed that no policeman was involved in electioneering in Davao City.

"The only thing the local police did in Davao City was to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the streets," Lacson said.

Lacson also maintained that his supporters in Davao City do not include dubious personalities involved in illegal activities such as gambling contrary to a report made by a local newspaper.

Lacson reiterated that he will never accept any support, whether in cash or in kind, from gambling lords and operators of vices.

"My track record will speak for me. I have never accepted a single centavo from jueteng operators from the time I became 2nd Lt. to the time I was appointed as PNP chief," Lacson said.

On the issue of the seven generals allegedly campaigning for him, Lacson said he wished his friends from the PNP can actively campaign for him "but I know that this can’t be because it is prohibited."

"Let us just say that a number of PNP officers have offered to help me in my campaign but I told them that they should first resign from the service before they can actively campaign for me," Lacson said.