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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nartatez reminds cops to be apolitical, orders maximum tolerance for 3-day rally

Nartatez reminds cops to be apolitical, orders maximum tolerance for 3-day rally

Published Nov 16, 2025 10:14 am
Acting PNP Chief, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo: Office of the Chief PNP)
Acting PNP Chief, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo: Office of the Chief PNP)
Amid political squabbles over allegations of corruption, the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded all its personnel to stick to their mandate that include upholding the Constitution and protecting the country’s democratic institutions,
The statement was issued after rumors of coup and destabilization attempts sparked anew in relation to the ongoing investigation into flood control anomalies, the recent was the video messages of former congressman Zaldy Co.
After the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally, a handful of retired military officers were accused of plotting to overthrow President Marcos.
But for acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., policemen have no business meddling into political affairs as the mandate of the police force is to respect the rule of law and protect the people.
“Let me also emphasize that we in the Philippine National Police are not the savior of this country, rather, we are the protector of the Philippines, its people, its laws, and all the democratic institutions it represents,” said Nartatez.
While he acknowledged that some policemen maybe dismayed by allegations of corruption, he emphasized the need for the PNP to be apolitical.
“We may have our share of frustrations and disappointments, but we are supposed to learn from them to make our country a better place to live in,” said Nartatez.
“Let us then focus to our mandate of respecting the duly-constituted authorities, upholding the Constitution, and serving and protecting the Filipino people. That is who we truly are as proud and professional members of the Philippine National Police,” he added.
Hundreds of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members have started gathering at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday, Nov. 16, for the start of the three-day prayer rally for transparency.
Other groups of protesters are also expected to converge at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Police forces were placed under highest security alert status for the three-day assemblies. Over 16,000 policemen were tapped to secure the rallies.
Nartatez lauded the PNP personnel for their dedication and sacrifices—starting from the devastation wrought by strong quakes in Cebu and Surigao del Sur up to the recent two strong typhoons.
And the three-day rallies, he said, Today, is another challenge, this time, to the professionalism and integrity of the police force amid the public call for truth and accountability over the flood control anomalies.
Nartatez then ordered his men to focus on their job, including the safety and security of those who will attend the rallies.
“As you begin your three-day deployment in the assembly sites and other strategic areas, let me remind again that we have no business of using our power and authority to intimidate and hurt the civilians that we vowed to serve and protect. That is not we are trained for—and that is not who we are as proud members of the Philippine National Police,” said Nartatez
“As your Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police, I expect each and every police officer on the ground to exercise maximum tolerance and only use the necessary and appropriate force as a last resort—and only against those who have a twisted concept that violence is part of the freedom of expression,” he emphasized.
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