THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday called on all commanders and personnel to remain focused on their mandate to sustain public safety amid political noise and other issues circulating especially on social media.
Criticisms and intrigues being sown online should be taken both as a motivation and a challenge to improve the service and protection to the Filipino people, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
“These intrigues and political noises, including attempts to encourage any of our personnel to engage in partisan politics, are meant to distract us from performing our job well and sustaining our gains on peace and order,” Nartatez added.
He also said that the sustained efforts to reduce crime rate, backed by high public trust and performance rating, are sufficient vindication that the PNP is doing well in its commitment to peace and order across the country.
Nartatez vowed to continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other law enforcement agencies.
“The PNP remains completely focused on its mandate and other reform measures, including the integration of the policies of the DILG under Secretary Jonvic Remulla on internal reforms and actions that will make the public feel safe,” Nartatez said.
“Our working relationship with Secretary Remulla has been highly professional, collaborative, and anchored on institutional stability,” Nartatez said.
“We will not allow unverified political talk to distract us from our duty to protect the public,” he said.
The PNP also intensified internal cleansing efforts and strengthened coordination with local government units in crime prevention and anti-illegal drug operations.
These are highlighted by the Safer Cities Initiative, which contributed to the sharp decline in the number of crime incidents nationwide, as well as the ongoing crackdown against smuggled products that bleed the country dry.
The PNP likewise sustained its focus on faster emergency response and increased police visibility in communities, among others.
“We continue to fully cooperate with the DILG leadership to ensure peace and order nationwide,” he added.
