CORDILLERA COPS WARNED VS “CAROLING AND ACCEPTING GIFTS” FOR CHRISTMAS

December 23, 2022 Headlines

BAGUIO CITY

Though not to erase the Christmas spirit in the air, Cordillera police chief, Brig. General Mafelino Bazar has warned highland cops here not to solicit, even to accept gifts this Holiday season.
“Pinapaalalahanan ko yung mga tauhan natin na huwag na sila mag-solicit at huwag tatanggap ng anumang regalo lalo na kung ito ay makakaapekto sa pagbibigay nila ng serbisyo sa ating mga
kababayan” he sternly warned.

Bazar who believed soliciting or even accepting gifts might influence policemen on how they perform their peace and security duties said, ”mabuti man ang inyong intensyon, kapag nag-solicit
kayo maaring ma-interpret ito ng ibang tao na mali o masama na magdudulot naman sa pagkakasira ng ating pangalan bilang isang organisasyon.”

Bazar also dissuaded the public to avoid giving gifts to the police even if it is as a sign of their appreciation of good deeds or their job well done. ”Sa ating mga kababayan iwasan po natin na
magbigay ng regalo sa ating mga kapulisan dahil natanggap na po nila ang kanilang yearend
bonus at iba pang cash incentives, sapat na po iyon.”

The Cordillera police chief warned that any police officer who would be found soliciting for the holiday season would face administrative and criminal charges under Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. He cited section 3 of RA 6713 which prohibits public officials including elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, whether in the career or non-career service, to include military and police personnel, whether or not they receive compensation, regardless of amount from soliciting or
accepting gifts, favors, loans or anything of monetary value in the course of their official duties.

This law reminds government workers not to accept gifts nor solicit for items to be raffled during Christmas party or holiday celebration, Bazar stressed. Though, Bazar hailed those police officers opting to share their blessings by giving back to the community. ”May mga reports din naman ako na narereceive na yung mga kapulisan natin dito sa Cordillera noong nareceive nila yung mga bonus nila eh nag-initiate sila ng mga community outreach, may mga classes din na nagcelebrate
ng anniversary sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan.”

Artemio A. Dumlao/ABN