By Jennifer P. Rendon
Police officers should practice responsible social media use, even when using their personal accounts, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
PRO-6 confirmed that it conducts cyber patrolling to monitor whether its personnel engage in constructive and responsible online communication.
“We’re only concerned about posts that violate existing rules and regulations of the organization,” PRO-6 spokesperson Lt. Col. Arnel Solis said.
Solis made the statement in response to concerns over the political preferences and inclinations of some police personnel.
With less than two months before the May 2025 national and local elections, PRO-6 reiterated its directive for police officers to remain neutral and apolitical.
Solis emphasized that the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership has consistently reminded personnel to uphold the organization’s integrity by avoiding political bias.
He added that the directive is unrelated to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Months before that, the PNP had already sent a memorandum sternly warning our personnel to remain neutral and apolitical for the 2025 elections,” he said.
In a memorandum dated Dec. 27, 2024, the PNP leadership instructed lower units to ensure that police personnel under their jurisdiction remain neutral and apolitical during the election period.
The memorandum also stated that engaging directly or indirectly in election campaigns or partisan political activities is prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
Solis further reminded PRO-6 personnel to be cautious about what they post on social media.
“We have rules and guidelines that we should follow,” he said.
He also reiterated that the loyalty of every PNP member is to the flag and the Constitution.
