PNP morale high amid aggressive internal cleansing, Nartatez says
More than 2,300 policemen were punished in the continuing internal cleansing and disciplinary measures in the Philippine National Police (PNP), a top police official said on Wednesday, Dec 3.
Of those penalized, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said 428 personnel involved were dismissed from the service, 71 were demoted, and 448 were suspended since he assumed the top police post.
The rest, he said, received various administrative penalties.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Nartatez emphasized the ongoing internal cleansing as six policemen from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) were caught and now facing criminal and administrative charges for the alleged theft of P13 million from cash evidence collected during a raid last year.
The PNP’s quick action regarding the incident, according to Nartatez, is proof that the police organization continues to transform and uphold high standards in terms of discipline, integrity and professionalism.
“There are, of course, some personnel still engaging in misconduct but our internal disciplinary mechanisms and integrity monitoring efforts will ensure we cleanse our ranks,” said Nartatez.
“Will this lower the morale of our personnel? No. Our people’s morale remains high. At least 95 percent of our personnel are performing their duties honorably, and it is only fair that we act decisively against the five percent or fewer who tarnish the image of the PNP. They will be dismissed,” he added.
In his speech when he assumed the top PNP post, Nartatez vowed to step up the monitoring of erring police personnel as part of the effort to further win back the trust and confidence of the Filipino people.
He committed to be quick in recognizing police officers who are performing their job well, but warned that he would be tough against those who tarnish the image of the organization.
Nartatez reiterated that those found guilty of wrongdoing will be held fully accountable under both criminal and administrative law, “This serves as a clear message that the PNP leadership will not tolerate any behavior that undermines the integrity of our organization.”