Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered police officers to focus on public safety and not provide services to private individuals.
Marbil issued the directive following the arrest and filing of administrative cases against two Special Action Force (SAF) cops who were found to be working as bodyguards for a Chinese citizen living in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
“Our duty is to ensure the safety of our citizens. Police must be available at all times to address the needs and concerns of the public,” Marbil said in a statement.
“By prohibiting moonlighting, we are reinforcing our commitment to quick and efficient response to any situation,” he added.
The two SAF police officers were arrested in May after they got into a heated argument that led to blows, with one of them sustaining wounds on his forehead.
In a related development, four members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Pasig City were relieved and being investigated for their presence at a private event of a networking company and the subsequent posting of their photos on Facebook.
Initial report showed that the SWAT team’s patrol vehicle stopped in front of a bank along San Miguel Ave. in Barangay San Antonio.
A woman later identified as an employee of a nearby networking firm approached one of the team’s members and asked him if they could take pictures with the SWAT team as they were holding an event for their opening.
The SWAT team accepted the request and went to the lobby of the firm’s building where the picture-taking was held. They were then invited for snacks at the building’s 24th floor but they refused, saying they needed to continue their mobile patrols.
According to PNP regulations, only the Police Security Protection Group is permitted to provide security to authorized individuals.