The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Tuesday said all pending cases against policemen including those filed as far back as 25 years ago will be resolved before the year ends.
Napolcom chairman and chief executive Rafael Vicente Calinisan gave this assurance when asked for updates on the backlog of cases still awaiting resolution.
In a press briefing, Calinisan said that his mission of “zero case backlog” could be achieved by the end of the year, with the commitment of all lawyers and commissioners who had to report for work even on Saturdays.
Calinisan said upon assuming office nine months ago that he inherited thousands of cases against Philippine National Police personnel.
““We will not allow to have pending cases by the end of December 2025. In fact, every Saturday our Napolcom, your Napolcom, comes here to finish cases that we inherited from 25 years ago,” he said.
Calinisan also said they finished 70 of the 115 more cases tackled, bringing the total number to be resolved down to just some 1,000 by the end of December.
“That’s why we must do everything we can to clear up those (pending cases), because that’s justice. How can the people believe in the institution if the institution is slow? How can the people believe if the case they filed 25 years ago is not moving forward. That’s why we keep repeating it, all the old cases will be cleared by December 25,” he stressed.
Apart from the target zero backlog by year-end, Calinisan said all new cases will be resolved within 60 days.
“All new cases will be concluded in 60 days so that innocent police officers can go free. They don’t have to think that there are harassment cases against them. But as for the shameless police officers, they have already found their match, We will not allow them to wear uniforms. We will not allow them to wear badges and carry guns. We will remove them,” he warned..
Calinisan said policemen who have already retired from service and are now enjoying their pensions will have their benefit cut once they get a guilty verdict.
“That’s why we need to resolve their case even if it’s been a long time. There’s no shame in it, they’ll still receive their pension,” he added.
