Golf courses off-limits to cops on duty

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo yesterday banned all police officers from golf courses during office hours.

In a statement, Bacalzo said the order is part of the PNP’s ongoing “Magandang Asal at Tamang Pagganap sa Tungkulin” or moral transformation program covering all PNP members at all levels of command.

“I have observed that some PNP personnel take the liberty of leaving their respective offices at any time of the day to play golf, to the detriment of their duties and responsibilities,” Bacalzo said.

Several times in the past, the PNP has cracked down on police officers playing golf when they are supposed to be on duty.

Bacalzo also reminded police officers not to misuse the name of the PNP or the name of any PNP unit in soliciting sponsors for golf tournaments.

“What can be tolerated instead is the use of a person’s name in private capacity as tournament host or sponsor, without using the rank, title or designation in the PNP,” Bacalzo said.

He also reminded police officers that they could play golf only during their off-duty periods or after office hours.

“I realize the benefits that the sport imparts to our personnel who play golf as a form of exercise. Hence, to rationalize and balance these things, PNP personnel may play golf only on off-office hours, weekends or holidays,” he said.

To enforce the order, Bacalzo has ordered the PNP’s Directorate for Intelligence and field unit commanders to monitor the activities of police officers.