Eleazar warns PNP personnel ‘not to meddle’ in political activities amid COC filing

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief General Guillermo Eleazar warned police personnel on Sunday not to engage in political activities amid the certificate of candidacy (COC) filing period.

“The filing of the Certificate of Candidacy remains peaceful and orderly across the country but we are not lowering our guard down on the possibility of any eventuality especially during the last day of the filing,” Eleazar said in a video message.

“We in the PNP are continuously focused in securing this first part of the electoral process at habang ako ang nakaupong (and while I’m the) Chief PNP, I will do everything in my power to make sure that the organization will be shielded from partisan politics,” he added.

“Therefore, I am warning all our personnel not to meddle into political activities or do things that can be misconstrued as expression of support to any candidate. Mananagot sa akin ang sinumang makikisawsaw sa pulitika sa aming hanay (Those in our force who will interfere with politics will be held responsible),” the chief went on.

Eleazar noted that the police force’s loyalty is to the Constitution and Filipinos alone.

“The loyalty of the more than 222,000-strong PNP is to the Constitution and to the Filipino people and not to any political candidate,” Eleazar said.

The COC filing started on October 1 and will end on October 8.

Earlier, Eleazar has directed an aggressive campaign against loose firearms and private armed groups to ensure peaceful, honest, and orderly 2022 elections.

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