The Philippine National Police (PNP) is planning to increase the recruitment quota for women from 10 percent to 20 percent, reflecting the growing role of female officers in leadership and public safety.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted that women now occupy important positions and help guide operations, a development highlighted during National Women’s Month.
As of February 2026, women represent 22.08 percent of the PNP, with 52,223 personnel out of 236,493. This includes 43,847 uniformed officers, 8,098 non-uniformed staff, and 278 cadets.
The PNP chief said the increasing presence of women in the force shows that gender is not a measure of competence. He emphasized that female officers have moved beyond support roles to take on leadership responsibilities across the organization.
Nartatez added that women bring different perspectives to policing, especially in handling sensitive cases and promoting trust within communities. Their approach often prioritizes mediation and empathy.
The proposal to raise the quota supports government initiatives to advance gender-responsive governance and enhance women’s participation in public service.
Nartatez also highlighted that female officers now serve in key roles such as generals and provincial directors, demonstrating that merit and performance are valued in the PNP.
Legislative efforts have previously aimed to expand the recruitment of women in the police force. House Bill 9058 mandates a gradual increase from 15 percent to 20 percent within five years, while Senate Bill 961 proposes raising the quota from 10 to 15 percent initially, with plans to reach 20 percent over the same period.