Davao intel cops wore red for camouflage, not politics
DAVAO City policemen’s red outfit is a camouflaging tactic, not politics, Philippine National Police Public Information Office chief, Colonel Randulf Tuaño said.
The political color in the outfit was raised by supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte during a political rally in Carmen, Davao del Norte perceived to be pro-Marcos because of the presence of senatoriables aligned with the administration.
The official said Police Regional Office 11 director, Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete explained that plainclothes officers wore something with shades of red so they could easily merge with the crowd.
The official said that police regularly resort to ‘camouflaging’ activities each time they secure a big event.
He even cited instances wherein some covert operatives have been mauled by rallyists in the past after their identities were blown away.
“Ang tanong po ni Brig. Gen. Rosete bakit lumabas ang memorandum na yun? Isa pang importante is ang explanation kung bakit naka-pula yung mga plainclothes officers at ‘yun ay para mag-camouflage sa activities na ‘yun,” he added.
Col. Tuaño maintained that the PNP will remain apolitical.
He added that PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has made it clear that the 232,000-strong police force will stay neutral and apolitical and whoever will be found to be engaged in partisan political activities will find himself being investigated.
“Matindi po ang parusa sa offense na ito dahil habang iniimbestigahan ang isang pulis, hindi po siya mapo-promote ang kasunod pa nun is dismissal from the service. Mabigat po talaga ito lalo na sa mga 3rd lever officer,” Col. Tuaño said.
Another official who talked with the Journal Group said that if those plainclothes officers wore clothes with a shade of green, would those questioning the ‘red’ shade be as aggressive as they are now?
“Ano ba dapat kulay ang isuot para maka-blend sa specific crowd? Marami talaga ang me madudumi ang isip mula nung mahuli si Pastor Quiboloy,” he said.
An estimated 20,000 people attended the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally of administration-backed senatorial candidates.
Davao City Police Office director, Colonel Hansel Marantan confirmed the authenticity of the memo but called it a leaked “internal” document that was “unauthorized” for circulation.
The official, however, said the operation was part of standard security procedures to ensure the safety of the President, his delegation and the public.
He also asserted that the DCPO remains “apolitical and non-partisan” as he reaffirmed their commitment to serving all citizens without bias.
