The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reminded its personnel to remain politically neutral and avoid posting partisan content online amid heightened public discussion surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police officers must maintain professionalism and discipline, particularly on social media, where personal posts may be interpreted as official statements of the organization.
“All PNP personnel are reminded to remain politically neutral and professional at all times, especially on social media platforms,” Nartatez said.
He added that existing regulations already prohibit police officers from engaging in partisan political activity or issuing statements that could compromise the institution’s neutrality.
“There are existing regulations that prohibit police officers from engaging in partisan political activity or making statements that may compromise the integrity and neutrality of the organization,” he said.
The reminder comes as political discussions intensify online over the ICC issue linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, which has sparked renewed exchanges between supporters and critics.
Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, has been ordered arrested by the ICC.
The PNP also noted that some personnel operating personal social media accounts and vlog platforms have come under scrutiny for posting political commentary.
Nartatez said officers must exercise caution, stressing that online activity can affect public perception of the institution.
“Our personnel are expected to exercise prudence and discipline online because their statements may be interpreted as official positions of the PNP. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Police officers must ensure that their social media activities do not undermine public trust in the institution,” he said.
He also reiterated that police officers running online channels or vlogs should avoid political commentary.
“Our reminder to so-called vlogger cops is simple: uphold professionalism, avoid inflammatory statements, and do not use your position to influence political discourse,” Nartatez said.
On concerns about alleged destabilization plots, Nartatez dismissed such claims and said the police force remains focused on its mandate.
“As an institution, the PNP remains apolitical and non-partisan, and all our uniformed personnel perform their mandate with professionalism, discipline, and integrity, and all we ask is to spare us from this rumor and let us do our job,” he said.
Malacañang has also earlier downplayed reports of an alleged coup plot, calling such claims recycled and baseless.
Nartatez urged the public to remain cautious and discerning against misinformation circulating online, especially on social media.
Photo courtesy of PNA
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