PHILIPPINE National Police officers and men assigned in areas where their relatives are running for different positions in the May 12, 2025 mid-term elections will get other assignments as part of the apolitical stand of the force, its spokesperson said on Monday.

Colonel Jean Fajardo said at present, the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management is already conducting an inventory of these policemen.

“Amid the warning of PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil for all members of the police force to refrain from politicking, ‘yung mga pulis na me mga kamag-anak na tatakbo, ililipat mga ‘yan. Me inventory na ang DPRM at malalaman lahat ‘yan once na mag-start na ang filing ng certificates of candidacy,” she said.

Col. Fajardo said police officers and men are obligated to declare their relatives seeking elective posts in 2025.

In particular, policemen assigned in areas where their relatives are running for local positions need to be transferred to other places to prevent possible politicking.

Covered by the PNP rules are policemen with relatives within the fourth-degree consanguinity or affinity.

Policemen with known close tries to candidates will also be transferred as it is part of the normal PNP practice to prevent cops from being used by politicians during any election.

Gen. Marbil on Sunday called on his men to stay apolitical as they step-up their preparations for the 2025 mid-term elections.

As the filing of candidacies for the 2025 elections is set to take place in the first week of October, the top cop directed all local police units to step up their election-related preparations.

He also emphasized the importance of adhering to the PNP’s core functions: intelligence, investigation, operations, and community relations.

Gen. Marbil at the same time issued a stern warning to all police officers against allowing themselves to be used by political figures, reaffirming the PNP’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during the election period.

“We are entering a crucial period as candidates for the 2025 elections begin filing their certificates of candidacy. I am directing all local police units to remain vigilant, perform their duties efficiently under the Quad principle, and ensure public safety.

“At the same time, I am reminding every officer that political neutrality is a core responsibility. Do not allow yourselves to be influenced or used by politicians,” Gen. Marbil said.

The PNP chief emphasized the national police force’s responsibility to uphold law and order without any bias or political partisan, reiterating that any officer found engaging in partisan activities or compromising the integrity of the police force will be dealt with accordingly.

“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 warned.

The PNP chief also reminded police officers that their conduct reflects the PNP’s dedication to earning public trust, noting that the nation is closely observing how the PNP ensures public safety during this significant political exercise.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon