If the basic mission of the Philippine National Police is to “serve and protect,’ it follows that anyone who violates the rules of the institution with impunity or even engages in criminal activity does not deserve to stay a minute longer in the institution.
This is the message the PNP wants to impart to the public with its recent announcement that it has dismissed 753 policemen from the service since April 2024, or the start of the term of the current PNP chief, General Rommel Marbil.
Of this total, Camp Crame reported 493 cops were dismissed due to absence without official leave, 38 for illegal drug use, 18 for robbery and extortion, and 15 for carnapping. The other policemen dismissed were found guilty of other serious offenses like homicide, murder, rape and graft/malversation.
From Jan. 1, 2022 to Feb. 12, 2025, 2,598 personnel have been dismissed from the service. This shows the PNP has not been remiss in its duty to keep the institution trusted by the public.
“Our mission is to serve and protect the public, not to instill fear or abuse power. Any police officer found guilty of misconduct or illegal activities has no place in the PNP,” Gen. Marbil emphasized.
Filipinos, he explained, “deserve a trustworthy and professional police organization…Every action we take in upholding discipline is a step toward earning and maintaining their trust. Those who do not adhere to our core values will be removed from service.” He added that all disciplinary actions had undergone due process, fair investigations, and administrative review.
Camp Crame earlier reiterated policemen found guilty of misconduct would be held fully accountable. The warning came after 10 officers were placed under investigation for allegedly conducting a raid on a private residence in Taguig City without a court-issued warrant earlier this month.
All this tells us that every member of the PNP from the top leadership to the newest recruit is expected to adhere to the institutional philosophy of Service, Honor and Justice.
Every member of the police force must also perform with utmost dedication the mission to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community.
And we expect every cop to contribute to the attainment of the PNP vision: that by 2030, the institution shall be a highly capable, effective and credible police service working in partnership with a responsive community towards the attainment of a safer place to live, work and do business.