Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Tuesday, Dec. 2, a full review of its disability discharge policies to ensure fair, updated, and responsive support for police officers who suffer life-altering injuries in the line of duty.

The order appeared to be a proactive move after President Marcos directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to reassess and strengthen their disability discharge rules following the forced retirement of a soldier who lost his sight in a blast incident.

“The Philippine National Police has established policies on complete disability discharge. But with the instruction of the President, we are now looking at our procedures to ensure they are updated, fair, and responsive,” said Nartatez.

On Monday, Marcos issued an order to the AFP in response to the viral video posted by a military officer regarding his looming discharge from the service for his permanent disability.

The Chief Executive emphasized that it is wrong for the government to abandon a soldier who dedicated his life to serving the country.

On the part of the PNP, Nartatez said the order is part of the internal reforms to ensure that wounded law enforcement personnel receive the recognition, benefits, and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

The PNP has its own elite forces, like the Special Action Force and the Provincial and Mobile Forces, that are actively engaged in running after threat groups.

Policemen are also facing daily risks of permanent disability and even death in the conduct of law enforcement operations.

He said he already directed the PNP Health Service and the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to begin an audit of existing disability discharge procedures, focusing on outdated provisions, gaps, and areas for improvement.

The core law governing the PNP’s policy on disability discharge is anchored on Republic Act 6975 or the DILG Act of 1990. Under Section 73, PNP personnel who incur “total permanent physical disability” in the line of duty may be retired or separated depending on years of service.

The procedures and standards for disability-benefit claims are governed by implementing rules from the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

As part of the review, Nartatez said the PNP will engage in consultations with the DILG and other security agencies to harmonize disability ratings, medical evaluation standards, and benefit computations across the uniformed services.

He also instructed units to identify administrative, technical, and support roles that may be filled by police officers who are no longer fit for field deployment but remain capable of serving.

Nartatez reiterated the organization’s commitment to improving welfare programs for injured personnel including medical care, financial assistance, counseling, and reintegration support.