Rizal cops now barred from using cell phones while on duty, patrol

Rizal. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Rizal police officers are now “strictly prohibited” from using their cellular or mobile phones while on duty or patrol.

The Rizal Police Provincial Office said that “all unit commanders/cops are directed to disseminate to their respective PNP [Philippine National Police] personnel that using cellular phones [is] strictly prohibited while on duty/patrol,” citing its Provincial Operations and Management Unit memo dated April 5.

Rizal police, however, noted that the memorandum exempts emergency cases and other similar situations when police officers should use mobile phones to do their tasks.

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The memo warns Rizal police officers that their immediate commanders or supervisors may relieve them from their posts if they violate the policy.

On April 2, newly installed PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil cautioned the police force against excessive use of mobile phones while on duty.

READ: New PNP chief Marbil would rather not call it a ‘drug war’

“I need beat patrols, I want people to feel the presence of our police officers on the ground,” he said during his first command conference.

“This is my first and last warning: no cell phones during duties. We need patrols. If we catch you using a cell phone, there will be no forgiveness. We are very strict about this,” Marbil added.