The Philippine National Police logo at Camp Crame in Quezon City, October 19, 2017. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it reshuffled around 1,700 officers in some areas to avoid possible conflict of interest in the May elections.  

The reshuffle included 1,681 personnel who have relatives who are running in the midterm elections and another 95 officers who have “close association” to candidates, PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Randulf Tuaño said.  

“Maaari silang ibalik matapos ang election period,” he said. 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), meanwhile, recommended two provincial directors to be reshuffled in Maguindanao and in Bangsamoro. 

“Hinihintay na lang namin ang resolution officially ng Comelec bagamat sa ngayon ay wala pa tayong natatanggap doon sa recommendation nila patungkol sa resolution na nilabas ng Comelec,” Tuaño said. 

“Katunayan yung sa Region 6 yung ating provincial director hindi dahil sa may insidente siya ay tinanggal dahil sa tingin ng RD ng PRO 6 na maaaring maging political ang stand ng mga commander,” he added. 

The police official said the measure was only temporary and would be based on “assessment.” 

“Ang mangyayari hindi lamang dahil may insidente na ikaw ay pwedeng tanggalin. Ikaw ay puwedeng tanggalin kapag sa assessment ng kanilang mga commander ikaw ay hindi magiging patas sa pagpapatupad ng iyong tungkulin sa darating na eleksyon,” he said. 

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