Nartatez orders PNP commanders to properly supervise detention facilities
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo: OCPNP)
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all commanders to regularly and strictly monitor all police detention facilities amid allegations raised by a detained Russian vlogger.
Nartatez said rules and regulations in police detention facilities must be strictly observed with the goal of ensuring that no allegation of corruption would taint the mandate of the PNP to temporarily secure suspects in criminal activities.
His statement came after Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy earlier claimed corruption in the facilities managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) during his detention in the country.
“Our goal is to immediately present all the arrested suspects under police custody to be presented to the court for the issuance of commitment order. And while they are under our custody, we must ensure that their rights are respected while we ensure that our rules and regulations are strictly observed,” said Nartatez.
President Marcos earlier had ordered an investigation into possible corruption in a detention facility after Zdorovetskiy claimed he could keep his phone while in custody.
The Russian vlogger was arrested in April 2025 for harassing Filipinos in his online content. He was deported to Russia earlier this month.
Three Bureau of Immigration officials, a warden and two deputies, have submitted courtesy resignations amid the ongoing investigation.
Nartatez stressed that the PNP strictly adheres to the President’s anti-corruption campaign, saying that illegal acts must not be tolerated at any level of law enforcement.
He then warned police commanders of consequences if wrongdoings are confirmed in police detention facilities.
“We will hold accountable policemen who would be found engaged in any illegal activities involving the supervision and management of our detention facilities. As law enforcers, we are duty-bound to ensure that our institutions will remain corruption-free,” he said.