The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has assured President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that it is taking all steps to address the involvement of police officers in criminal activities, especially drug-related cases.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. gave the assurance after President Marcos disclosed that 177 police officers have been charged for abuses committed during anti-drug operations in Metro Manila.
He said the NCRPO is actively combating corruption and criminal activities by holding erring officers accountable, dismissing them from service, and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.
“We will be implementing new policies and procedures to prevent this from happening in the future. We know that we have a lot of work to do to rebuild trust in our community, but we are committed to doing what it takes to gain the public’s confidence and to make our communities safer,” he added.
The PNP stated it also arrested 56,495 suspects from 44,000 anti-drug operations.
President Marcos acknowledged the challenges faced by police officials and emphasized the need to address the issues promptly.
The Chief Executive also highlighted the Department of Justice (DOJ) efforts, noting that it is pursuing 151,818 court cases, with 121,582 already detained for drug-related violations.
For its part, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that a total of 76 police personnel have been dismissed from the service in 2023.
In his speech, DILG, Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) had 681 investigation reports against the erroneous policemen.
“In 2023, the NAPOLCOM has investigated and prepared a total of 681 investigation reports and rendered decisions on 437 summary dismissal cases-including 76 who were dismissed from the service, 89 who were demoted, 93 who were suspended, and 11 who were reprimanded,” he said.
Last year, Abalos called on over 950 police colonels and generals to file courtesy resignations to give way to the massive investigation and get rid of rogue cops in the Philippine National Police.
A total of 18 resignations were accepted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a video message released Tuesday, President Marcos said that 177 police officers have been charged with drug-related offenses in Metro Manila under his administration.
“We know that sometimes our officers get involved and we will not ignore that. So, 177 police officers were charged with drug-related offenses, including the planting of evidence, unlawful arrest and excessive violence just here in NCR,” President Marcos said.
The President said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been pursuing 151,818 court cases from 2022 to 2023 and 121,582 of the accused have already been jailed.
Meanwhile, Secretary Abalos said they issued a circular giving only 30 working days on deciding the promotion of police personnel.
“Our accountability mechanisms are balanced by efforts to ensure that those worthy of praise, promotion, and recognition are rewarded,” the interior chief said.
“The NAPOLCOM, with yours truly as its Chair, has issued last year a resolution imposing a 30-working day deadline on action with respect to PNP promotions,” he added. Vince Lopez