The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) commended the National Police Commission (Napolcom) for achieving a historic zero case backlog that ended the 25-year pileup of 4,000 cases, the first since the commission’s inception.

“For the first time, since the inception of Napolcom, the board has successfully completed its zero backlog case. We have concluded cases as far as 25 years old,” DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla  said. 

“Through the diligent effort of the Napolcom, they have now concluded and put a moral hazard to all the policemen, that the Napolcom is a functioning commission; that the Napolcom is a watchdog over the policemen; and that the Napolcom is true to its mandate,” he added. 

During its final summary dismissal and En Banc Session on Tuesday, Dec. 23, the Commission highlighted its completion of its last six remaining cases, bringing to a close all 4,000 pending cases that they took hold of within the last 25 years. 

The DILG chief credited the milestone to the diligent and sustained efforts of the Commission, emphasizing that the accomplishment reinforces Napolcom’s role as an effective civilian oversight body over the police force. 

Remulla also mentioned that for more than two decades, the Commission struggled with institutional inefficiencies, but reforms have now professionalized its operations. 

“Now, we have professionalized the service of the Napolcom and hopefully, the rank and file of the PNP (Philippine National Police) will follow this impact,” Remulla said.

Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan stressed that the commission shall continue to fast-track its process of handling its administrative cases within a period of 60 days to prevent future backlogs. 

He emphasized that the commission's zero case backlog achievement is not directed against the police, but is intended to deliver justice both for the citizens and for the country's police force.

In resolving the 4,000 cases, Calinisan noted that it gave hope to the ordinary people to air their grievances and allow the commission to act on the complaints against abusive police officers.

“Yun pong pulis na inosente, wala na siyang iniisip na kaso laban sa kanya. Pero yung pulis na abusado, siya po ay tanggal na sa serbisyo (The innocent police officers are not thinking of any cases against them. But the abusive cops will be dismissed from the service),’’ Calinsan continued.