Roxas: Cops securing elective officials must be in uniform

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government reminded on Thursday local elective officials that all policemen detailed to them as protective security personnel during the election period should always be in uniform.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said his office received reports that police security personnel have performed their duties in civilian clothes allegedly because of pressure from local elective officials under their protection.

In a memorandum circular, Roxas reminded local executives to strictly observe the provision of Republic Act 7166 that police personnel assigned to local officials should be uniformed, their name, rank and serial number written legibly and visible at all times.

Local elective officials have to ensure that their official police security escorts are in their prescribed uniform in order to avoid outright termination of the protective security services and possible administrative and criminal charges against the PNP personnel, Roxas said.

"Kailangang siguruhin ng ating mga local officials na ang mga pulis na itinalaga sa kanila sa panahon ng eleksyon ay nakauniporme sa lahat ng pagkakataon kung hindi ay mapipilitan ang Comelec (Commission on Elections) na i-recall ang mga pulis na ito at maaari pa silang makasuhan,” he said.

Under Section 32 of Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized National and Local Elections and Electoral Reforms Act, "…the deputized law enforcement officer must be: (a) in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number which shall remain visible at all times; and (b) in the actual performance of his election duty in the specific area designated by the Commission."

Under Comelec rules, only governors running for re-election or another elective office and whose complement have been provided by officers or members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation or other government law enforcement agencies for at least one year on Jan. 11, 2013, are allowed to retain a maximum of two currently detailed security escorts.

It also said that all other incumbent local elective officials and candidates for all other elective positions could employ up to two security bodyguards from licensed and authorized detective and security agencies during the election period, upon application with the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel.

However, candidates for mayoralty and regional offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are allowed to secure PSP from members of the PNP and AFP under Comelec Minute Resolution 13-0148.