PNP to remove campaign ads on gov’t property

“The PNP is duty bound to ensure a level playing field for honest, orderly and peaceful elections in May as an apolitical and non-partisan deputized agency of the Commission on Elections,” Albayalde said Monday. (File photo by Joey O. Razon/PNA)

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, has ordered regional directors to remove campaign posters and advertisements from all government-owned properties.

“The PNP is duty bound to ensure a level playing field for honest, orderly and peaceful elections in May as an apolitical and non-partisan deputized agency of the Commission on Elections,” Albayalde said Monday.

“To be more emphatic about the strictly apolitical stand of the PNP, I am serving notice to all police personnel to remain steadfast along this command policy with due regard to existing rules and regulations that prohibit personnel from engaging in partisan political activity,” he added.

The campaign period for senatorial and party-list groups kicked off last February 12, while that for local posts will begin on March 30 until May 11.

Albayalde said police personnel will be deployed for election duties, particularly on May 13, Election Day.

Some 99,976 PNP personnel will be deployed to polling centers; 54,532 personnel will be assigned to Quick Reaction Teams; 18,177 personnel will compose the Reactionary Standby Support Force; and 9,089 will compose the Red Team and Headquarters Skeletal Forces.