After Senator Lacson’s call to “step in,” Comelec Cebu reminds cops to stay neutral

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Cebu City’s south district reminded police personnel to remain neutral amid allegations that some officials of the law enforcement organization are “dipping their fingers” in partisan politics.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, in a post on Twitter on Monday, May 6, called on  Comelec to “step in” into the feud between the Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Cebu City Police Office Director, Police Colonel Royina Garma, before things “get out of hand.”

The senator’s remarks came after allegations from the mayor that the local police is being used for political purposes.

READ: Lacson takes notice of Osmeña’s dispute with PNP; tells Comelec to step in

Osmeña earlier questioned the establishment of checkpoints at the road leading to his residence in Barangay Guadalupe during the Holy Week.

Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos, Osmeña’s running mate, also cried foul over alleged harassment of police personnel against her staff during a checkpoint outside their campaign sortie in Barangay Kamagayan last April 28.

But even though Comelec authorities are more than glad to serve a peacekeeping role on election season, lawyer Marchel Sarno, election officer of Cebu City South District, said they can only ask the police to show a neutral disposition towards both parties.

“[To] the police, also be mindful on their actuation. This is to remind the police to remain neutral and abide with what is under the rules on how to conduct the activities like the checkpoints,” Sarno told CDN Digital.

The Comelec official also urged the candidates to file appropriate charges in court against police officers whom they believe displayed abusive acts against their party.

“We encourage them to file charges to those whom they feel exceeded their functions in executing their duties,” said Sarno. / celr