PNP chief warns vs partisanship as election season nears

PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil —Grig C. Montegrande

MANILA, Philippines — Less than four months before the start of the election period on Jan. 12, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Sunday warned police officers against engaging in partisan politics.

According to the official calendar released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the filing of the certificates of candidacies will start in the first week of October.

“I am reminding every officer that political neutrality is a core responsibility. Do not allow yourselves to be influenced or used by politicians,” Marbil said in a statement, warning that those who engage in partisan activities will face sanctions.

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“The PNP is tasked with protecting the democratic process, not participating in it. We will not tolerate any officer who compromises our commitment to neutrality and fairness. Any form of political interference, whether directly or indirectly, will be met with swift and decisive action,” he said.

‘Crucial period’

Marbil reminded law enforcers to stay vigilant and perform their duties as they enter a “crucial period” with the start of the filing for certificates of candidacy and that their oath was “to serve the people, not politicians.”

He also asked the public to report any irregularities carried out by police officers.

Last week, Marbil ordered police commanders to start identifying “election areas of concern.” The list will later be submitted to the Comelec.

The Comelec has designated Sept. 1 until Sept. 28 as the period for political parties to hold their conventions to select and nominate their candidates.

Over 18,000 national and local positions will be up for grabs during the midterm and the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections on May 12, 2025.