Cops told: Be austere this Xmas

Keep it happy and simple.

Director General Leandro Mendoza, Philippine National Police chief, has this message to all police generals and provincial police directors, as he instructed them and the heads of national support units to observe austerity in their Christmas activities.

In a directive, Mendoza also prohibited police personnel from soliciting prizes and selling raffle tickets for fund-raising activities.

According to police community relations chief, Director Thompson Lantion, Mendoza issued the order in the wake of reports that lower unit commanders were being required by some PNP officials to sell tickets for fund-raising activities.

Mendoza said soliciting gifts and raffle prizes violates the PNP Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.

Chief Superintendent Cres—cencio Maralit, PNP spokesman, also advised all lower police units to decline requests for solicitation of gifts, raffle prizes and other Christmas "donations." — Christina Mendez