The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered all its personnel to remove politically branded signages inside camps, facilities and properties owned by the police.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the move is intended to uphold the apolitical stand of the police organization, as well as in response to the order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“The PNP reiterates that the directive aims to uphold political neutrality, professionalism, and the principle that public service must remain free from personal or partisan promotion,” said Nartatez.
Earlier, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla directed all local government units down to the barangay level to remove names, photos and other symbols identified with any group or politicians in all government-funded projects.
The order is stipulated in the with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006 which directs all units to remove signages, tarpaulins, markers, posters, and similar materials bearing the name, image, initials, color motif, slogan, or identifying symbols of public officials, particularly those linked to government-funded projects, programs, and activities.
The DILG order against what people described as “epal” was reinforced by a PNP memorandum dated Feb. 2.
Such "epal" move refers to the practice of politicians to put their names, faces and other symbols identified them to claim credit to programs and projects that are funded by taxpayers.
On the part of the PNP, the anti-epal drive covers politically branded signages refers specifically to materials displayed within PNP properties and premises, including police stations, camps, offices, and other PNP facilities nationwide.