Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on Tuesday, December 23 lauded the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) after attaining a historic zero case backlog and ending a 25-year pileup of 4,000 cases, the first since the commission’s inception.
This achievement aligns with the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite case handling between government agencies such as NAPOLCOM, strengthening the country’s efficiency and the overall pace of its justice system.
“For the first time since the inception of NAPOLCOM, the board has successfully completed its zero backlog of cases. We have concluded cases as far as 25 years old,” Remulla said.
“Through the diligent effort of NAPOLCOM, they have now concluded these cases and sent a moral message to all policemen that NAPOLCOM is a functioning commission, a watchdog over the police, and true to its mandate,” he added.
During its final summary dismissal and en banc session earlier Tuesday, NAPOLCOM highlighted the completion of its last six remaining cases, bringing to a close all 4,000 pending cases accumulated over the past 25 years.
Remulla credited the milestone to the diligent and sustained efforts of the commission, emphasizing that the accomplishment reinforces NAPOLCOM’s role as an effective civilian oversight body over the police force.
He also noted that for more than two decades, the commission struggled with institutional inefficiencies, but reforms have now professionalized its operations.
“Now, we have professionalized the service of NAPOLCOM, and hopefully the rank and file of the Philippine National Police will follow this impact,” the interior secretary said.
NAPOLCOM Vice Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan, meanwhile, said the commission will continue to fast-track the handling of administrative cases within 60 days to prevent future backlogs.
Calinisan emphasized that the zero-backlog achievement is not directed against the police but is intended to deliver justice both for citizens and for the country’s police force.
“When we resolved these 4,000 cases, we gave hope. Ordinary citizens who filed complaints saw their cases acted upon. Innocent police officers no longer have pending cases to worry about. Abusive police officers, meanwhile, have been dismissed from the service,” he added.
