The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is reinforcing its internal procedures to ensure that investigations involving personnel accused of misconduct are handled with fairness, discipline and respect for constitutional rights.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the organization remains committed to holding erring police officers accountable, but stressed that administrative cases must be resolved through evidence and proper process, not public pressure or online speculation.
The policy emphasis comes as the PNP continues its internal cleansing program under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen integrity and professionalism within the police service.
“Transparency and due process are not mutually exclusive, they are the dual pillars of true administrative justice,” Nartatez said. “While the public has every right to be informed about how we handle erring personnel, our police officers also retain their constitutional right to a fair, impartial trial based on objective evidence, CCTV footage, and testimonies—not headlines and public clamor.”
Nartatez said accountability must be pursued firmly, but without disregarding institutional safeguards meant to protect both the public interest and the rights of police personnel under investigation.
He also directed internal affairs units to speed up administrative probes involving police officers while ensuring that all pending cases comply with legal standards and due process requirements.
“To our citizens, I assure you that the PNP does not tolerate abuse, and we are aggressively pursuing our internal cleansing program with strict accountability,” the PNP chief said.
At the same time, Nartatez sought to reassure police personnel who continue to perform their duties amid growing scrutiny brought by social media and digital platforms.
“To the men and women of the PNP who quietly and honorably perform their duties every day, do not be disheartened by the noise online,” he said. “The leadership stands by you and will protect you from premature persecution.”
Nartatez urged police officers to continue enforcing the law with integrity, saying the institution’s accountability mechanisms are meant to validate honorable service while addressing misconduct through lawful and impartial proceedings.