NCRPO chief berates cops caught sitting, using cellphones while on duty for ASEAN Summit

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde on Friday berated police officers he caught busy with their mobile phones while on duty securing the ASEAN Summit.

A Balitanghali report by Jun Veneracion quoted Albayalde as saying the three police officers he caught sitting and using their phones while on duty near SM Mall of Asia in Pasay could either get reprimanded or suspended.

The report said the NCRPO chief, as part of security preparations for the regional event, was making his rounds on a motorcycle when he chanced upon the supposedly erring officers.

In his defense, one of the policemen insisted he was only using his phone to send a situation report.

Alabayalde questioned the policeman's alibi, insisting that writing and sending situation reports were not among the responsibilities of a Police Officer 1.

The NCRPO chief issued a stern warning to the cops deployed for the ASEAN Summit,  were not allowed to go on Facebook while on-duty.

The Philippine National Police has deployed 30,000 personnel in preparation for the country's hosting of the 31st ASEAN Summit and related meetings from November 11 to 14. — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM, GMA News