Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), warned all policemen of his “zero-tolerance” policy towards misconduct and abuse as he emphasized the need for the police force to maintain integrity and professionalism.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 21, Marbil said the PNP’s internal disciplinary mechanism (IDM) is working well as manifested by what he described as swift and stringent measures to penalize, punish, and charge police officers involved in misconduct.
“We have no room for erring officers in our ranks. The PNP is fully dedicated to upholding the law and ensuring that every police officer adheres to the strictest code of conduct. Misconduct and abuse will be met with the full force of our internal disciplinary mechanisms,” said Marbil.
Earlier, the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service (IAS) said more than 6,200 policemen were punished for various offenses under the Marcos administration as part of the government’s internal cleansing measures.
For this year, IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay said a total of 2,591 were charged from January to date— 47 of them were dismissed, 20 were demoted while 140 were suspended.
“The time for complacency is over. We will not tolerate any form of misconduct within our ranks,” said Marbil.
Marbil also outlined his plans to strengthen the IAS which will enhance investigations and ensure appropriate disciplinary action.
He likewise highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat crime, address illegal drugs, and boost public trust in the PNP.
To further promote transparency and accountability, Marbil said the PNP is now investing in new technologies, including AI-powered body cameras.
He also directed increased police visibility, quicker response times, and closer collaboration with the Justice Department to ensure fair prosecution.
“These measures have already yielded positive results, as evidenced by recent IAS reports,” said Marbil.
Marbil, meanwhile, emphasized the need for expedited police investigations, setting new timelines of 5-10 days for minor cases and two months for more serious offenses as he stressed the importance of providing legal support to officers facing counter-charges, recognizing the challenges they often encounter.
“The PNP encourages the public to report any instances of police wrongdoing or illegal activities, underscoring the importance of collaboration in creating a safer and more secure environment for all,” said Marbil.