Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday welcomed a Malacañang memorandum circular directing government agencies to support national crime prevention efforts.
In a statement, Nartatez said he was confident that Memorandum Circular 120 would help improve the peace and order situation across the country.
The circular was signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 21. A copy of the issuance was released on Saturday.
Under the circular, all national and local government agencies and instrumentalities were ordered to assist in implementing the 2026 National Crime Prevention Program, which is being led by the National Police Commission and the PNP.
The program advances “core strategic objectives,” including strengthening community-based crime prevention initiatives; modernizing tools, enforcement tools, technologies and digital infrastructure; and enhancing law enforcement capability and professionalism, among others.
“The Philippine National Police fully supports the directive of Malacañang and remains committed to working closely with all government agencies to strengthen our anti-crime efforts and ensure safer communities nationwide,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez said the memorandum circular reinforces the whole-of-government approach in addressing criminality.
“The PNP stands ready to enhance coordination, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement operations to protect the public,” the PNP chief also said.
He also ordered police units nationwide to align their operations with the memorandum circular, including closer coordination between regional and national support units.
“With stronger government coordination and active community participation, we can further reduce crime and build safer neighborhoods for all,” said Nartatez.