PNP: 9,027 cops dismissed over admin raps since 2016

Around 9,027 police officers were dismissed from the service in the past nine years after they were found guilty of various administrative offenses, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.

Of this figure, 1,037 of the dismissed cops were involved in drug-related offenses or tested positive for illegal drug use.

In a statement, the PNP said this underscored the PNP’s relentless campaign against rogue cops and its unwavering stance against illegal drugs within the police force and in communities.

It cited data from its Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM), which showed that 32,698 police personnel were found guilty of administrative charges from July 2016 to November 26, 2025.

Aside from the dismissed police officers, another 1,725 were demoted while 15,311 received suspension orders after the observance of due process.

In addition, 1,221 personnel faced forfeiture of salary, 4,355 were reprimanded, 528 received restriction penalties, and 531 had certain privileges withheld as part of disciplinary measures.

The PNP added that in the first 92 days of the term of PNP acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., 1,339 administrative cases involving 2,308 personnel were resolved.

Of this number, 428 cops were dismissed from the service, 71 were demoted, and 448 were suspended, while others received various administrative penalties.

The PNP added that 1,152 cases resulted in exoneration – proof of the PNP’s commitment to fairness, due process, and the rule of law.

“Ang PNP ay hindi magdadalawang-isip na disiplinahin at tanggalin ang sinumang sumisira sa tiwala ng taumbayan. Walang puwang ang ‘rogue cops’ sa institusyong ito. Our zero-tolerance policy is firm – because public trust is non-negotiable,” Nartatez said.

(The PNP will not think twice in imposing discipline and removing those who betray the people’s trust. There is no space for rogue cops in this institution. Our zero-tolerance policy is firm – because public trust is non-negotiable.)

“While the PNP is reasonably generous in giving due recognition and reward for outstanding performance, it is also swift and decisive in imposing punishment for breach of discipline and misconduct,” he added.

Nartatez reminded PNP personnel to serve and carry their badge with honor, adding that the PNP will “always act decisively” if some police officers make mistakes or violate the law.

“The PNP will continue cleansing its ranks while strengthening the culture of professionalism and service,” he said.

PNP spokesperson and public information office chief Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the dismissal of the erring cops sends a clear message that the police force is “serious about accountability.”

“Hindi kami magbubulag-bulagan sa mali, at hindi rin kami magdadalawang-isip na kilalanin ang tama (We will not be blind to wrongdoings and we will not think twice in recognizing things that are done right). Our internal cleansing is firm, fair, and focused on restoring and strengthening public trust,” Tuaño added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News