MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded its personnel to remain politically neutral and avoid posting partisan content online amid heightened public discussion over the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue involving Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.

In a report, it said that PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police officers must maintain professionalism and discipline, especially on social media where personal posts may be perceived as official statements of the organization.

“All PNP personnel are reminded to remain politically neutral and professional at all times, especially on social media platforms,” he said.

“There are existing regulations that prohibit police officers from engaging in partisan political activity or making statements that may compromise the integrity and neutrality of the organization.”

The reminder comes as the ICC issue linked to the anti-drug campaign of former president Rodrigo Duterte continues to fuel political discussions online.

Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, has been ordered arrested by the ICC over allegations tied to crimes against humanity.

The PNP said some personnel with personal social media accounts and vlog platforms have also been scrutinized for posting political commentary.

“Our personnel are expected to exercise prudence and discipline online because their statements may be interpreted as official positions of the PNP. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Police officers must ensure that their social media activities do not undermine public trust in the institution,” Nartatez said.

He also warned so-called “vlogger cops” to avoid political commentary and use of their positions to influence public discourse.

“Our reminder to so-called vlogger cops is simple: uphold professionalism, avoid inflammatory statements, and do not use your position to influence political discourse,” he said.

Nartatez likewise dismissed reports of an alleged destabilization plot against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying the 225,000-strong police force remains focused on its mandate to maintain peace and order.

“As an institution, the PNP remains apolitical and non-partisan, and all our uniformed personnel perform their mandate with professionalism, discipline, and integrity, and all we ask is to spare us from this rumor and let us do our job,” he said.

Palace officials earlier also downplayed similar claims of a supposed coup plot, describing them as recycled rumors.

The PNP urged the public to be cautious against misinformation circulating online.