Disciplinary mechanisms and intervention measures are in place to uphold integrity and ensure accountability in the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid the involvement of some policemen in illegal activities, the recent was the carnapping incident in Manila.

While he acknowledged the involvement of policemen in illegal activities , PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said there are only a handful of them compared to a significant number of policemen who remain committed to their oath of serving and protecting the people.

“We actually have a lot of good stories to tell—from simple acts of assistance on the streets and in the community to risky operations. It is unfortunate, however, that there are a handful of police officers who became involved in illegal activities. But let us not forget that it is also the PNP personnel who arrest and file charges against them,” said Nartatez.

“We have intervention programs that are designed to protect our personnel that include spiritual and psychosocial assistance for those who need them, aside from the aggressive internal cleansing efforts,” he added.

Nartatez issued the statement as he ordered an investigation into the involvement of a Manila Police District policeman to an incident victimizing a delivery rider.

The policeman and his cohorts allegedly lured the victim through a fake booking request and later took away his motor vehicle. The victim was later brought to Cavite where the motor vehicle was allegedly used for an illegal activity.

The victim later escaped and reported the incident to authorities, which led to the arrest of a police sergeant and seven others.

Nartatez said the case is already under investigation, including a separate probe of the Internal Affairs Service for the filing of administrative cases against the policeman involved.

The Chief PNP vowed to sustain the implementation of intervention measures that do not only ensure accountability for erring policemen but also discourage them from engaging in all forms of wrongdoings that compromise the integrity of the organization.

The intervention measures, he said, include programs designed to prevent and assist policemen against addiction to alcohol and gambling and other simple personal problems to implement policies that will not encourage them to commit illegal activities such as a ban on visiting bars and casinos.

“This is the reason why proper and strict supervision of immediate commanders are important down to the lowest units,” he said.

“Our programs and disciplinary measures are in place, and we are exerting all the efforts to sustain our gains in instilling discipline and integrity in the PNP organization,” Nartatez added.