MARBIL ASSURES PNP APOLITICAL, IMPARTIAL
PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil yesterday gave assurances that the 232,000-strong police force remains apolitical and impartial and is solely committed to maintaining peace and order without political influence.
The top cop issued the statement even as he warned that partisan police officers will face sanctions. This was made in response to concerns over a misinterpretation of PNP spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Jean S. Fajardo’s statement the other day which prompted Gen. Marbil to likewise emphasize that the PNP does not, in any way, tolerate political partisanship among its active personnel.
“The PNP stands firm in its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and service to the Filipino people. I have personally sought clarification from our spokesperson regarding her statement, and she has already issued a rejoinder to correct any misperception and prevent any misinformation,” Gen. Marbil said.
In her rejoinder, Brig. Gen. Fajardo clarified her previous statement specifically to retired members of PNP Academy Class 1991 who are no longer under the PNP chain of command and have since transitioned into private life.
“ Their personal opinions do not reflect the stance of the PNP or the entire PNPA alumni association. However, all active-duty officers—including those from PNPA Class 1991—are bound by the principles of political neutrality and non-partisanship,” she said.
It turned out that some already retired members of PNP ‘Tagapagkalinga’ Class of 1991 issued a statement of support to Vice President Sara Duterte. They include members of the Class who are known to be ‘Davao Boys’ or those who got ‘juicy positions’ during the previous Duterte administration.
However, Fajardo said three active members of the Class were not involved in the issuance of the statement. They include Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Tamondong, the Deputy Regional Director for Administration of the National Capital Region Police Office; Brig. Gen. Archie Macala, the DRDA of the Police Regional Office 6 in Western Visayas and Col. Ramil Labastida, the chief of the Motor Vehicle Clearance Division of the PNP Highway Patrol Group.
Gen. Marbil emphasized that “the PNP leadership does not and will never condone political partisanship within its ranks. Our officers have sworn to serve the public, not political interests. Any claim to the contrary is far from the truth,” he said.
The PNP chief warned that any police personnel found engaging in partisan politics would face serious consequences.
