By Gail Momblan/Philippine News Agency
ILOILO CITY — With the coming May 13 elections, the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Region 6 (Western Visayas) assures that the security force will protect everyone regardless of their political color.
Police Brig. Gen. John Bulalacao, PRO 6 director, assured that the police force in this part of the country remains non-partisan.
One of the manifestations is the moving of chief of police and other non-commissioned officers from one place to another to make sure that they are away from being influenced or favor any specific political bets or parties, he said.
“We are moving police from one place to another, especially those who are identified to have blood or friendly relations with the politicians,” said Bulalacao in an interview.
Thirteen police officers of the PRO 6 were reassigned to different units effective Wednesday.
Bulalacao added that one of the chiefs of police assigned in Capiz province is currently being verified for reports that he has strong ties with a politician running in the May 13 election.
However, he refused to name the police and the politician so as not to preempt police’ validation and investigation.
“But if proven correct and true he will be temporarily relieved,” he said.
Bulalacao added he is regularly reminding the police to be patient with the public and the political bets.
He noted that politicians and supporters often have “spurred emotions” and their “fighting form” emerge when they deal with their political rivals.
“I tell our police officers to be on the lookout for these politicians and learn their style in order for us to neutralize them. We are to prevent them (politicians and supporters) from being violent during confrontations,” he said.
He said the police are also reminded to maintain active coordination with other agencies, especially those concerned with the elections.
The strengthening of the coordination within agencies allows the prompt response to emerging concerns for the May 13 polls, he said.
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