- No politics on memo for red civilian attire during Marcos rally: DCPO
THE DAVAO City Police Office denied any political motive behind the directive for its personnel to wear “a touch of red” while securing President Ferdinand Marocs Jr’s campaign rally in Carmen, Davao del Norte on Feb. 15.
A memorandum obtained by TIMES reveals how the Police Regional Office XI ordered personnel securing the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Carmen, Davao del Norte today, Feb. 15, to wear civilian attire with a touch of red.
According to sources, police were also instructed to monitor and prevent disruptions involving Duterte-related heckling.
President Bongbong Marcos led the rally alongside the administration’s senatorial bets for the 2025 elections.
When asked about the directive, PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey told TIMES on Saturday afternoon:
“The police personnel deployed in civilian attire are part of the inner security to support the PSG. This is a standard practice for covert security during events. We regularly deploy such units when additional security coverage is needed. The red attire is for distinction, to identify them as part of the inner security, as requested by the PSG. There is no other significance to it, as the PNP remains apolitical and non-partisan as an organization.”
The memorandum is in compliance with a request from the Police Regional Office XI of 55 PNP personnel from the DCPO to augment the Presidential Security Group (PSG) as inner security during the scheduled visit Mr. Marcos, along with his delegation, for the “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas Rally.”
She said the DCPO remains apolitical and non-partisan, committed solely to ensuring public safety and security.
“We emphasize that this deployment is a standard security measure aimed solely at ensuring the security and safety of the President, the event venue, and the public. DCPO upholds its duty to protect all citizens, regardless of political affiliations, and remains neutral and professional in all its operations,” DCPO acting city director Col. Hansel Marantan said.
“We urge the public to refrain from spreading misinformation or speculation regarding this matter. DCPO remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect the people of Davao City with integrity, professionalism, and dedication,” the city police director added.
