Lacson to PNP, AFP: Remain nonpartisan

FORMER national police chief and senator Panfilo Lacson urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain professional and loyal to the country amid reported calls for partisan activity following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement released Saturday, Lacson said the PNP and AFP should verify such calls, especially those made through social media because of the proliferation of fake news.

"They should remain professional and loyal to their duty. That is the best message," he said in Filipino in a radio interview.

"In this day and age of information technology, fake news spreads fast. And we know that is in their training to conduct fact-checking first. If there are reports of partisan activity, they should not get involved," Lacson added.

Lacson served in the AFP as a member of the Philippine Constabulary from 1971 to 1991.

He headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001.

He said he is studying possible legislations against fake news, noting current laws against cyber libel may need more teeth.

"We must focus on penalizing the spread of fake news. This threatens our culture and contributes to the destruction of our good manners and right conduct," Lacson added.