MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) plays a big role in the nation’s security. It comprises dedicated people who swore to uphold the law and protect their communities. Imagine a country with no police or law enforcers around. It would surely be chaotic and full of unrest. Criminals roam the streets, with no one responding to cries for help. No one maintains peace and order.
Most officers enter the force with the best of intentions: to protect and serve the community. But sometimes, just like anyone else, they can find themselves in a situation where various factors blind them and thus make them prone to mistakes. Corruption, political influence, limited resources, and cultural norms are reasons why some officers go astray.
Cleansing the PNP is not an easy task, but the government, under the strict mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is addressing this with programs meant to build a more honest and reliant force. This will assure the public that the PNP is a trusted institution with a system that truly serves and protects its citizens.
6.2K cops penalized
President Marcos’ intensified internal cleansing program within the PNP has resulted in over 6,200 officers facing administrative charges since July 2022. These charges range from minor offenses to grave misconduct.
According to the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Inspector General Atty. Brigido Dulay, applicable penalties have been imposed, including 572 dismissals, 260 demotions, and 1,418 suspensions. Dismissed officers forfeit their benefits and are permanently barred from government service. The IAS urged all officers to follow the law and operational procedures, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the cleansing process and its commitment to accountability.
“We have rules that must be followed. This has long been the policy of the PNP. They just have to follow these rules because it is really hard to be discharged with administrative charges,” Dulay said in an interview.
“This is part of the reform process. The cleansing process is continuing and ongoing. This serves as a message that the IAS will run after those who would violate the law,” he added.(https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229140)
Dulay also disclosed that the highest-ranking officer penalized under the ongoing cleansing program is a colonel. This proves that no one is above the law.
PNP chief’s message
On December 2, 2024, PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil dismissed 11 Special Action Force (SAF) personnel for providing unauthorized escort services to a Chinese national. The officers were found guilty of grave misconduct and other related offenses. One officer received a 31-day suspension for neglect of duty, while three others were exonerated for lack of evidence.
The incident, stemming from a May 18, 2024 disturbance, involved SAF members moonlighting as security, manipulating reports, and transferring funds obtained through unauthorized activities.
“Let it be clear that the PNP does not and will not tolerate any forms of misconduct or dishonesty within its ranks. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, and those who fail to uphold these values will be held accountable. This is a message to all PNP personnel: we are here to serve the people with integrity, and we will continue to cleanse the ranks of those who will undermine the trust placed on us,” Marbil emphasized.
Senate’s full support of the cleansing process
The PNP thanked the Senate for fully supporting its internal cleansing efforts, acknowledging their concerns regarding rogue elements. They assured the Senate that preventive measures, including early detection and active counter-intelligence led by the IAS and Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG), are in place to address misconduct.
“We welcome the senator’s expression of support for our sincere actions to maintain the highest standard of transparency and accountability in the police service,” the PNP said in a press statement.
“We assure our Honorable senators that all measures are in place to prevent every possible opportunity for irregularities to be committed by police personnel, and if committed, appropriate actions will be readily taken.” (https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200231)
The PNP issued this statement after Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Koko Pimentel, Ronald De La Rosa, and Senator Risa Hontiveros said in separate statements that cleansing the police force should be one of the PNP’s main thrusts in maintaining its integrity.
Courtesy resignations and acceptance
According to DILG Undersecretary Lord Villanueva, the courtesy resignations called upon by the DILG under the President’s order in 2023 resulted in the resignations of virtually all of the top PNP officers. It affects even high officials of the force, showing the administration is without fear or favor. Cases were filed and pending with the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
Sixteen key officials in the Zamboanga Peninsula, including its then-regional chief Brig. Gen. Neil Alinsangan and his deputy have also tendered their resignation following the call of the PNP’s internal cleansing program. This voluntary action, involving two brigadier generals and fourteen colonels, followed drug tests that yielded negative results. Alinsangan said the resignations are intended to facilitate a fresh start in the fight against illegal drugs and support the efforts of President Marcos, the DILG, and the PNP to reform the agency.
“Though the submission of courtesy resignation is voluntary in nature, all third-level officers of PRO-9 composed of two brigadier generals and 14 colonels submitted their letters of resignation,” Alinsangan said.
“I do believe that the appeal to submit a courtesy resignation is in the best interest of the country, this is aimed at giving us a fresh start and a better chance of winning the war against illegal drugs.” (https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192490)
Following a National Police Commission Ad Hoc Advisory Group investigation into alleged drug involvement, President Marcos announced the acceptance of 18 third-level officers’ resignations. The announcement, made during his 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA), reflects his commitment to removing unscrupulous law enforcers from the drug trade. The Advisory Group investigated 953 officers who submitted courtesy resignations; 935 were rejected, while 18 were accepted.
Early in his term, President Marcos vowed to clean house within the PNP. His SONA doubled down on that promise, signaling a fresh start in the fight against illegal drugs by appointing only the most incorruptible leaders.
“In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in the government,” the President said.(https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-accepts-resignation-of-18-cops-allegedly-involved-in-illegal-drugs/)
He vowed a relentless pursuit of drug syndicates, promising to shut down their operations for good. “We will shut down their activities and dismantle their network of operations.”
These actions show the administration’s commitment to uphold integrity and accountability within the PNP, thereby maintaining public trust.
