Cordillera cops warned vs soliciting, accepting gifts

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – Brig. Gen. Mafelino Bazar, Cordillera police chief, reminded Cordillera policemen to refrain from soliciting and accepting gifts during this holiday season.

"I am reminding our personnel not to solicit or accept any gift especially if it will affect their service to our countrymen," Bazar said in a statement.

"Even if your intentions are good, when you make a request, other people may interpret it as wrong or bad, which will cause our name to be damaged as an organization," he added.

Bazar urged the public to avoid giving gifts to the police even if it is a sign of their appreciation.

"To our compatriots, let's avoid giving gifts to our police officers because they have already received their year-end bonus and other cash incentives, that's enough," Bazar said.

He said any police officer found to be 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.

Bazar commended police officers who opted to share their blessings by giving back to the community.