PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil (center) with Southern Police District Director Leon Rosete (left) and Interior and Local Gov’t. Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (right) during the presentation of 4 cops allegedly involved in kidnap for ransom and their reported victims. (File photo screengrab from PNP’s Facebook livestream on June 5, 2024)
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil ordered police officers and police personnel to refrain from moonlighting.
Marbil said he issued the directive to guarantee that all members of the police force are available to respond swiftly to citizens’ complaints and emergencies.
“Our duty is to ensure the safety of our citizens. Police must be available at all times to address the needs and concerns of the public,” the PNP top official said in a statement on Sunday.
Moonlighting is when someone works more than one job at a time.
READ: PNP-IMEG checks reports of cops serving as biz security escorts
“By prohibiting moonlighting, we are reinforcing our commitment to quick and efficient response to any situation,” he added.
His directive comes after four Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team members reportedly provided security service at a private event in Pasig City.
This information was revealed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
The four were relieved from their post following an investigation by the Eastern Police District.
Meanwhile, the PNP-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) is looking into reports that three police officers are allegedly providing escort services to a Chinese businessman.
READ: SWAT team deployed to Pasig private event relieved from posts – EPD
PNP-IMEG director Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon said they received a tip from an informant about the three police officers’ purported moonlighting in a hotel in Manila.
However, the police group failed to find anything upon checking.
De Leon likewise reported that the number of police officers and PNP personnel engaging in moonlighting has already decreased.
Two PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) members who were said to be moonlighting were previously arrested for causing a disturbance inside a village in Ayala Alabang last May 18.
Authorities later discovered that the two Zamboanga-based PNP-SAF officers served as bodyguards of a Chinese.
The PNP earlier said it plans to form a special team dedicated to preventing the unauthorized use of police-marked vehicles.
It is also tasked to track down officers and personnel engaging in moonlighting.
The team will consist of officials from the Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, PNP-Highway Patrol Group and PNP-IMEG.