Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has reassigned PNP personnel who have relatives running for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kapbataan Election (BSKE) this year.
"To ensure the integrity and impartiality of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), Police General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has issued a directive mandating the transfer of PNP uniformed personnel who have relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity running as candidates in the elections," said the PNP in a Facebook post on Thursday.
Based on the review of personnel records and candidate declarations, a total of 2,956 PNP personnel have relatives running for the upcoming BSKE.
The PNP chief's directive aims to prevent any undue influence or compromise of the electoral process.
Personnel who fall outside the category will be reassigned to non-election-related duties until the elections conclude.
The PNP said that the reassignment or detail of PNP personnel is prohibited from August 28 to November 29, 2023.
"However, the PNP is coordinating with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) regarding this movement and future reassignments, as necessary and in the exigency of the service," the post read.
Meanwhile, Acorda stressed the importance of maintaining public safety and peace during the election period.
“To uphold the trust of the people, it is crucial that we act with utmost integrity, neutrality, and dedication to the law," Acorda said.
Acorda said that the PNP is duty-bound to ensure a fair and unbiased election.
"We are committed to upholding our role in ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process,” he said.
