Roxas reminds local execs to ensure security escorts are in proper uniform

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II warned local elective officials that their protective security services may be terminated if they would fail to ensure that their escorts are in their proper uniforms while performing their duties.

Roxas issued the warning due reports reaching his office that there were police security personnel assigned to candidates who were not in proper uniforms while they were on duty allegedly “because of pressure from local elective officials under their protection.”

“[Police] personnel assigned to local officials should be uniformed, their name, rank and serial number written legibly and visible at all times,” Roxas said, citing the provision of Republic Act 7166, or the Synchronized National and Local Elections and Electoral Reforms Act.

Roxas said police personnel involved may also be slapped with administrative and criminal charges.

“Kailangang siguruhin ng ating mga local officials na ang mga pulis na itinalaga sa kanila sa panahon ng eleksyon ay nakauniporme sa lahat ng pagkakataon kung hindi ay mapipilitan ang Comelec na i-recall ang mga pulis na ito at maaari pa silang makasuhan,” he said.

DILG said Section 32 of Republic Act 7166 provides that “…the deputized law enforcement officer must be: (a) in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number which shall remain visible at all times; and (b) in the actual performance of his election duty in the specific area designated by the Commission.”

Under the rules of the Commission on Elections, only governors running for re-election or another elective office, and whose complement have been provided by officers or members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, or other government law enforcement agencies for at least one year on January 11, 2013, are allowed to retain a maximum of two currently detailed security escorts.

Under the same rules, all other incumbent local elective officials, and candidates for all other elective positions could employ up to two security bodyguards from licensed and authorized detective and security agencies for the duration of the election period, upon application with the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel.

However, candidates for mayoral and regional offices in the ARMM are allowed to secure PSP from members of the PNP and AFP pursuant to Comelec Minute Resolution 13-0148.