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Nato Reyes hits police's 'unprofessional' Facebook post; Gamboa says PNP has policy on posting on social media
By ANNA FELICIA BAJO,GMA News Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes has condemned Police Regional Office XIII for its "unprofessional" social media post bearing his face.
In a press statement on Sunday, Reyes said he would hold those behind the Facebook post liable for their action.
"We are alerting the media and the PNP leadership regarding this crass and totally unprofessional posts of the Police Regional Office 13. We will take legal action against these people behind this Facebook page," Reyes said.
Reyes noted that what the police did was "black propaganda," saying it was unprofessional for public officials to engage in this kind of practice.
"This is the kind of climate where the anti-terror bill will be implemented. It is a climate of impunity and abuse of authority. We will not take this sitting down. The PNP Region 13 will be held to account," Reyes said.
In the Facebook post, police included Reyes' face and put horns on him as they demanded solutions from the activist leader amid the fight against COVID-19.
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"The police and military actions in the fight against COVID19 is to serve and help save the nation! Mr. Retonto Reyes, apart from nagging and demolitions, propose a solution rather than creating more confusion!" the post read.
At a press briefing, Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said the issue would be investigated, noting that police officials should not do that as they are government officials.
He said there is a social media etiquette which all police officers must practice.
"Mayroon na tayong certain policy on social media especially 'yung pagpopost. I just signed it, although mayroon na dati but there is an enhanced protocol on social media that should be observed by the members of the PNP and kung lalabag ito doon... then he can be charged administratively and if evidence would still warrant even criminal cases," Gamboa said.—AOL, GMA News