PNP Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Monday the police force would not be influenced by political divisions amid continuing tensions in the Senate.
Nartatez said the PNP’s duty was limited to maintaining public order and enforcing the law.
He assured the public that police personnel would not be swayed by rumors or by political interests seeking to divide institutions.
The statement came after Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP would not be affected by alleged destabilization efforts involving 18 supposed bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
Co has been linked to the widening controversy over alleged corruption in flood control projects.
Nartatez thanked Lacson, a former PNP chief, for the statement and described it as a show of confidence in the police organization.
He said Lacson’s remarks affirmed the PNP leadership’s focus on institutional integrity, loyalty to the Constitution, and respect for the chain of command.
Nartatez also told police units and personnel on the ground to stay focused on their duties, ignore political noise, and respond to reported destabilization plots through discipline and professional service.