Cops assigned to local officials during poll period must be in uniform, Comelec reiterates

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
May 3, 2013

TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Elections reiterated that all policemen detailed to local officials as protective security personnel during the election period must always be in uniform.

Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin Comelec Region 8 acting Director made the reminder during a recently-held media interaction at the PIA Regional Office.

Petalcorin added that only incumbent lawmakers and governors are allowed to have police and military security escorts during the 2013 election period.

He said this is contained in Comelec Resolution 96-08 which provides that incumbent governors and congressmen are allowed two PNP/military security details and two more security guards.

He said those running for governor and congressman who are not incumbents are not entitled to police or military bodyguards.

Petalcorin said that Republic Act 7166 otherwise known as Synchronized National and Local Elections and For Electoral Reforms provides that police personnel assigned to local officials should be uniformed, their name, rank and serial number written legibly and visible at all times.

Local elective officials have to ensure that their official police security escorts are in their prescribed uniform in order to avoid outright termination of the protective security services and possible administrative and criminal charges against the PNP personnel, Petalcorin added.

Incumbent vice governors and local officials seeking re-election or running for other elective positions and candidates for the 2013 elections can have only two blue guards for security.

However, even these have to pass through the Comelec, with details like firearms being carried by the blue guards as well as photos of their uniforms, Atty. Petalcorin said.

He added that blue guards who will be detailed as security of candidates will have to present accreditation that they have passed VIP protection training course.

Moreover, Petalcorin stressed that barangay officials, including government employees, are not allowed to take partisan political activities in this election.

He called on the people to report to the Comelec and its deputies any barangay official or government employee undertaking partisan political activity so that they can be charged for violation of the election code.