Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reminded all police personnel to remain apolitical and focused on their mandate to maintain peace and order and ensure public safety amid rising political tensions in the country.
Nartatez issued the reminder to both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, including those active in online content creation, as public discourse continues to intensify involving lawmakers, political developments, and online commentary.
He stressed that police personnel must remain neutral in political discussions, especially as their presence and views on social media and other digital platforms are increasingly scrutinized.
Nartatez underscored the need for discipline and restraint among PNP personnel, in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to preserve the integrity and professionalism of the police organization.
“We have no business involving ourselves in politics. We do not have that privilege, that is not part of our mandate. Let us focus on what we are trained for and what the Filipino people expect us to do: enforce the law and maintain peace and order,” said PGEN Nartatez.
Nartatez noted that social media has been flooded with political commentaries, with many vloggers and content creators taking sides on ongoing political issues.
While he acknowledged that airing one’s beliefs and opinions must be respected, he emphasized that uniformed personnel, including police officers, do not enjoy the same liberty because the organization they represent may be dragged into political controversies.
The reminder also covers police personnel who actively create content on social media.
Nartatez also urged the public to be cautious and responsible in handling information they encounter online.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center earlier warned the public, particularly social media users, against the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and unverified content that could mislead, intensify tensions, or contribute to confusion during a period of heightened political conflict.
Nartatez assured the public that the PNP will continue to secure public order amid rallies, vigils, and other mass actions linked to political developments in the Senate and other government institutions.
The PNP also maintained its readiness to respond to possible disturbances while calling on the public to remain calm.
“Let us not be distracted with the recent happenings in the political arena and let us focus on our mandate, which is to serve and protect the Filipino people,” PGEN Nartatez stressed.