Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Bayan Muna has slammed the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly the Manila Police District (MPD), for allegedly violating election laws by distributing printed materials naming Bayan Muna as supporters of communist rebels.
According to a statement from the group on Monday, election watchdog Kontra Daya spotted police officers from the MPD giving away pamphlets at the Geronimo Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila.
The printed materials reportedly naming Bayan Muna as supporters of the New People’s Army.
The supposed officers were identified by their surnames as Gonzales, Salalac, Reyes, and Mateo.
Bayan Muna chair and senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares denounced the police’s engagement in politics, despite numerous reminders from their head, PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde.
READ: Albayalde prohibits use of cops’ photos as campaign material
“This is patently and blatantly illegal. Police should not be engaged in campaigning for or against any candidate. What’s worse, they’re doing this on election day, when campaigning is prohibited,” Colmenares said.
“Gen. Albayalde and (Interior) Secretary (Eduardo) Año should immediately order their men to stop,” he added.
READ: Albayalde reminds cops: Don’t intervene in elections
INQUIRER.net tried to reach Albayalde and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar for their comment on the issue, but no words yet as of this posting.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said that they are preparing possible charges against the officers and their superiors for their alleged illegal action.
“They are no different from the goons of dirty politicians,” Zarate claimed.
“Make no mistake about it: the day of reckoning will come; we will file charges and make these pathetic mercenaries and their superiors accountable,” he added. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)