PNP reshuffles 1,370 cops related to candidates in May polls

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde has approved the reshuffle of 1,370 officers related by blood or by affinity to candidates in the midterm polls.

The reshuffle is part of the efforts of the PNP to ensure impartiality and non-partisan enforcement of the law by police officers, particularly in areas where they have relatives vying for a seat in the government.

“As non-partisan and deputized law enforcement agency of the Commission on Elections, we strongly and firmly remain faithful to our apolitical mandate to ensure and protect the will of the electorate towards honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” Albayalde said in a statement on Wednesday.

Police Major General Lyndon Cubos said there are 1,858 PNP personnel who have blood relations or related by affinity to candidates in the May elections. Of this number, 1,370 are assigned in the political jurisdiction of the candidates.

The rest do not need to be transferred from their present assignments, the PNP said.

According to the PNP, among those who will be reassigned to other places are 26 police commissioned officers and 1,344 police non-commissioned officers. /ee

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