ILOILO City – As the campaign period for the 2022 national elections draws near, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is warning police officers in Western Visayas: moonlighting as candidates’ security detail is strictly prohibited.
A certificate of approval from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) through the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) must be secured before a police officer can serve as a security detail of a politician, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, PRO-6 spokesperson.
“Securing political candidates without the approval of Comelec is illegal,” Solis said.
A local candidate can only have a maximum of two police escorts who must at all times be in complete uniform, he added.
Those caught moonlighting face dismissal from the service, Solis stressed.
Comelec’s Resolution No. 10728 that set the election period from Jan. 9 to June 8 next year also regulate the availment or engagement of the services of security personnel or bodyguards.
On the other hand, PRO-6 is also reminding gun holders that issuance of permits to carry firearm outside of residence (PTCFORs) and license would be suspended during the campaign period. Only uniformed personnel are allowed to carry firearms./PN
