(Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office)
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is reviewing its guidelines on police attire during anti-illegal drug operations following concerns raised by Maxim delivery riders over an undercover officer’s use of the company’s uniform during a recent buy-bust operation in Bacolod City.
PRO-NIR spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong said Friday that an investigation was underway to determine whether the personnel involved violated existing police protocols.
“The conduct of investigation is ongoing to assess if our personnel has liability. In connection with Maxim, Col. Eugene Rabadomia, city director of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), has been tasked to have a meeting with them,” Malong said.
The controversy stemmed from a November 7 buy-bust operation in Purok Santo Niño, Barangay Handumanan, which resulted in the arrest of a drug suspect identified only as alias Atan.
Police reported confiscating approximately four grams of suspected shabu valued at Php 27,200 during the operation.
However, a photograph released by the BCPO showed an undercover operative wearing a black long-sleeved shirt bearing the Maxim delivery service brand, prompting concerns among the company’s delivery riders.
The riders raised questions about their personal safety, particularly the possibility of being mistaken for undercover police officers or individuals involved in anti-drug operations while wearing their official work uniforms.
In a statement released Friday, Maxim Rides & Food Delivery acknowledged the concerns and welcomed the PRO-NIR’s decision to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The company cited the police regional office’s directive to “review the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess compliance with existing operational guidelines and protocols.”
“We welcome this initiative and the PRO-NIR’s commitment to protecting the safety, livelihood, and welfare of delivery riders,” Maxim said.
The company emphasized that the safety of its driver-partners remains a priority, especially following the use of its branded clothing during a police operation.
“We also understand our driver-partners’ concern about their personal safety and the possibility of being mistaken for individuals involved in police operations while wearing their work uniforms,” it added.
Maxim encouraged its delivery partners to immediately report any incidents or safety concerns to their local offices to facilitate coordination with law enforcement authorities.
“We also encourage our driver-partners to report any untoward incidents to their local Maxim office so we can coordinate with the appropriate authorities and help address their concerns,” the company said.
Meanwhile, the PRO-NIR investigation will determine whether the officer’s use of branded delivery clothing complied with existing operational guidelines and whether administrative accountability is warranted.
The Bacolod City Police Office has also been directed to coordinate with Maxim representatives to address the concerns raised by delivery riders.
