By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reminded its personnel to remain politically neutral and avoid posting partisan content online amid heightened public debate over the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue involving Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police officers must uphold professionalism and discipline, particularly on social media platforms, where personal statements may be perceived as official positions of the organization.
“All PNP personnel are reminded to remain politically neutral and professional at all times, especially on social media platforms,” he said in a statement.
“There are existing regulations that prohibit police officers from engaging in partisan political activity or making statements that may compromise the integrity and neutrality of the organization.”
The ICC issue has reignited political discussions tied to the anti-drug campaign of the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, prompting exchanges between supporters and critics online.
Dela Rosa, who has been ordered arrested by the ICC, is a former PNP chief.
Some police personnel with personal social media accounts and vlog platforms have also come under scrutiny for posting political commentary.
“Our personnel are expected to exercise prudence and discipline online because their statements may be interpreted as official positions of the PNP. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Police officers must ensure that their social media activities do not undermine public trust in the institution,” Nartatez said.
He also reminded police officers operating online channels and vlogs to avoid political commentary that could create perceptions of bias.
“Our reminder to so-called vlogger cops is simple: uphold professionalism, avoid inflammatory statements, and do not use your position to influence political discourse,” the PNP chief said.
No destab plot
Meanwhile, Nartatez dismissed rumors of an alleged destabilization plot against the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., saying the 225,000-strong police force remains focused on its peace and order mandate.
“As an institution, the PNP remains apolitical and non-partisan, and all our uniformed personnel perform their mandate with professionalism, discipline, and integrity, and all we ask is to spare us from this rumor and let us do our job,” he said.
Earlier, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro also downplayed rumors of a supposed coup plot involving members of the uniformed services, describing the claim as recycled.
Nartatez urged the public to remain discerning and cautious against misinformation, especially content circulating on social media. (PNA)
