Policemen reminded anew to stay neutral in performing election duties

TACLOBAN CITY, May 6 (PNA) -– The Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas regional office here today reminded its 7,000 personnel to remain neutral as they perform election duties during the May 9 national and local elections.

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Jose Erwin T. Villacorte warned police officers that their activities are closely watched by their top officials and comrades to ensure that they remain apolitical while securing Filipino votes.

The police regional office made the statement after some groups in Samar province have claimed that policemen are taking sides on local candidates.

Prior to the deployment of 121-men augmentation force from the regional office earlier this week, cops took an oath of non-partisanship relative to the upcoming polls.

The police renewed their commitment not to engage in any partisan political activity during election period. They have pledged to be “free from any affiliation of exhibit any bias to any group, party or cause and to uphold the will of the electorate by protecting and maintaining the integrity of the ballot and the credibility of the elections.”

Villacorte also guaranteed the public that his men will conduct themselves as professional police officers worthy of the trust and confidence of the people.

This week, policemen have been tasked to secure the delivery of vote counting machines to various polling centers. (PNA)

FFC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR