DAVAO CITY—It’s starting to sound like a hardship post, as police officers tasked to secure Miss Universe candidates here next week have been forbidden from taking selfies with the beauty queens.
Even if the candidates ask, just say no, said Southern Mindanao police chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, who added that even taking pictures of the contestants was a no-no.
“We have banned selfies… No policeman is allowed to take photos of the candidates, take selfies with them and much more, post them on social media. We will sanction those who violate this order,” Gaerlan said.
“We don’t want our men to be distracted from their duties,” the police chief said. “If I see a policeman posting a selfie on his Facebook account, I’ll investigate it right away,” he added.
At least 12 Miss Universe candidates are expected to arrive here on Jan. 19 for a fashion event showcasing Mindanao fabrics and the work of Mindanao designers.
Police officers were previously criticized when their photos with Miss Earth contestants made the rounds on social media networks. But Gaerlan said it was not criticism they were most concerned with, but the police officers’ focus on their job.
They should not leave their posts unattended just because they want to have selfies with, or take photos of, the candidates, he said.
“Our personnel should not worry about their pictures. They will be documented by our photographer (and) videographer as they perform (their duties), not through selfies, because they will be distracted,” Gaerlan said.
The police chief said security for the Miss Universe fashion show would be as strict as that during the Friday visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.—ALLAN NAWAL