Napolcom Warns Eastern Visayas Cops to Stay Neutral Online
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE. The National Police Commission in Eastern Visayas has issued a firm reminder to police officers across the region. Keep your social media feeds free from partisan politics. Lawyer Risty Sibay, the Napolcom regional director for Eastern Visayas, stressed that existing laws strictly prohibit police personnel from engaging in partisan political activities.
"The ethical conduct of the PNP is governed by Republic Act No. 6713 and supplemented by the PNP Ethical Doctrine Manual. It is clear in these guidelines that PNP personnel should remain nonpartisan," Sibay said.
Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, requires government workers to uphold political neutrality, professionalism, and integrity. In a time when the digital space is often filled with polarizing noise, the call for sobriety and professionalism remains crucial. Violations of these standards carry heavy administrative penalties, including suspension, demotion, or even dismissal from the service, depending on the gravity of the offense.
Clarifying the Rumors
Sibay clarified that while the warning is active, the regional Napolcom office is not currently investigating any police personnel for partisan social media posts. He denied earlier reports claiming that 20 police officers were being monitored for their political activities online.
"Based on our records, we have not received any complaints against PNP members who are supposedly involved in partisan politics," Sibay said in an interview on Thursday, June 4. "We are monitoring social media posts by our PNP personnel, but not necessarily because of partisan politics."
The commission routinely monitors the social media activities of Philippine National Police personnel as part of its oversight duties. However, the director stressed that no formal complaints involving partisan political posts have been recorded so far. This clarification comes amid heightened political tensions across the country, where public officials and government employees face increased scrutiny over their digital footprint and possible political leanings.
Focusing on Real Offenses
Sibay explained that monitoring social media is part of Napolcom's mandate to investigate police irregularities. Online platforms have simply become a primary source of information and complaints against law enforcement personnel. While no cases involving partisan political activity have been reported, Napolcom is currently handling administrative complaints against several police personnel for alleged offenses ranging from grave misconduct to neglect of duty.
During the last semester, the regional office received 33 complaints. Eight of these have progressed into formal cases and are now under evaluation. Sibay emphasized that police personnel facing complaints are afforded due process, with cases evaluated based on evidence gathered by the commission.
The issue surfaced after questions were raised regarding whether Napolcom had detected police officers posting content with political undertones. For the men and women in uniform, maintaining neutrality is not just a legal requirement. It is a fundamental duty to the public they serve, ensuring that the police force remains a stabilizing institution rather than a participant in the political fray.