Cops whose relatives eye 2016 posts to be reassigned

CEBU, Philippines – Police officers assigned to towns and cities whose relatives are seeking posts in the 2016 elections will be relieved, according to Talisay City police chief Superintendent Germano Mallari.

Mallari said the order came from their higher office, adding it is the usual practice during election season.

Even police officials are not exempted from the order, he added.

In Talisay City, he said, Police Officer 3 Rey Bucao will likely be affected by the order. Bucao has the same surname as former vice mayor Alan Bucao who will run for the vice mayoralty seat next year.

Although PO3 Bucao claimed he is not a close relative to the running official, Mallari said they still have to follow the procedure.

"Sa naandang eleksyon, mao man gyud na siya ang mabalhin," Mallari said.

The police chief, however, said police officers who have been relieved will be assigned back to their old assignment once election season is over.

Meanwhile, Mallari advised his men to be neutral and not to influence anybody to vote for a certain politician.

He said the police are willing to give assistance to all candidates during their campaigns.

The police officers will not, however, allowed to go near the gatherings.

"All they need to do is to make sure that peace and order will be maintained," Mallari said. (FREEMAN)