By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – A total of 33 police officers in Negros Occidental have been temporarily reassigned to other units to prevent any misuse of authority, as they have relatives running in the midterm elections.
Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, public information officer of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), said the officers have familial ties up to the fourth degree with candidates in their areas of duty.
He said the personnel were reassigned to police stations in neighboring towns and cities starting in October last year.
The move is part of the Philippine National Police’s initiative to keep the force “apolitical and nonpartisan” during the election period.
“We do not want our personnel to be involved in any election process,” Catalogo said.
He added that the officers will return to their original posts after the May elections.