No politics in Davao Intel cops wearing red – PNP-PIO chief
CALL it “camouflaging” as plainclothes officers of the Davao City Police Office wore clothes with shades of red as part of their effort to secure a large crowd of red-wearing pro-administration people who attended a rally in Carmen, Davao del Norte on Saturday led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..
This was the explanation made by Philippine National Police Public Information Office chief, Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño regarding the issue raised by supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The official said he has been told by Police Regional Office 11 director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete that those plainclothes officers were made to wear clothes with shades of red so they can easily merge with the crowd.
“Sabi ni RD, covert deployment ng mga tao ‘yun at practical na suot ng karamihan, dapat mag-merge sa mga tao sa field na walang armas. It was purely a covert intelligence operation. Ang ibig pong sabihin, camouflaging kaya nagpula, nag-merge sa environment kasi kung nakapula mga tao at ibang color ang suot mo, ibig sabihin hindi ka kasama dun,” Tuaño explained.
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 ey 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.
Tuaño maintained that the PNP will remain apolitical. “Kaya nga po natutuwa si Comelec chairman (George) Garcia kasi hanggang ngayon ay wala pa pong nare-report na may mga pulis na involved sa partisan political activities,” he said.
He added that PNP chief Gen. 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 taltaga ito lalo na sa mga 3rd-Level Officer,” Tuaño said.
Another official who talked with the Journal Group said that had those plainclothes officers wore clothes with shade of green, will 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 may madudumi ang isip mula nung mahuli si Pastor Quiboloy. They are even saying 55 lang daw ang pulis na nandun kasi nilangaw daw ang rally, eh kung totoo ‘yun eh dapat sana nagdagdag na kami ng 1,000 plus,” 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 Col. Hansel M. 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.
“We urge the public to refrain from spreading misinformation or speculation regarding this matter. DCPO remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect the people of Davao City with integrity, professionalism, and dedication,” a DCPO statement said.
