Wanky: Mobile phone use on duty not allowed

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Once again, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has reiterated to its officers the prohibition of mobile phone use while on duty.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, police chief of Western Visayas, restated this standing order amidst fresh directives from the new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil.

“He has lots of directives and many more policies to come out. But as to the specific directives, we still have to wait on how to implement them,” Wanky conveyed, noting that details on new orders are forthcoming.

However, Marbil has stressed the importance of an existing rule regarding cell phone usage during service hours.

“Paano kasi nila magagawa trabaho nila kung nakatutok sa cellphone,” Wanky expressed, questioning how officers can perform their duties if distracted by their phones.

Wanky disclosed that the PNP Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) will conduct “Red Teaming” operations to ensure compliance.

This initiative aims to expose and improve any weaknesses in security plans by observing if officers are adhering to the cell phone directive.

He elaborated that the Red Team would scrutinize whether any mobile phone use by officers is for official or personal reasons.

“Magkakaroon ng on-the-spot checking and they would be investigated,” he said. The reinforcement of this directive may involve more personnel dedicated to inspections.

Wanky’s cautionary advice to PRO-6 officers is clear: “So, always be on your toes.”

This renewed emphasis comes after previous instances in 2019 where several officers faced reprimands for mobile phone use while on duty.

Additionally, police are consistently reminded not to smoke in public while in uniform, maintaining professionalism and adherence to regulations at all times.