PNP chief tells personnel to stay apolitical, focused

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday reminded police personnel to remain apolitical and focus on their mandate of maintaining peace and order amid heightened political tensions in the country.

In a statement, Nartatez said both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel should remain neutral as political debates intensify online and in public discussions, stressing that involvement in partisan issues is outside the police force's mandate.

“We have no business involving ourselves in politics. We do not have that privilege; that is not part of our mandate," Nartatez said.

"Let us focus on what we are trained for and what the Filipino people expect us to do: enforce the law and maintain peace and order,” he added.

The PNP chief reminded police officers who are active on social media and digital platforms to exercise discipline and restraint, citing instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to uphold the professionalism and integrity of the police organization.

Nartatez noted that social media platforms have been flooded with political commentaries, with many vloggers and content creators openly taking sides on current political issues.

While acknowledging the public's right to express opinions and beliefs, he said police personnel must refrain from engaging in political discussions because their actions and statements could be associated with the institution they represent.

The reminder also covered police officers involved in content creation on social media.

Nartatez also urged the public to be cautious and responsible in consuming and sharing information online.

His statement came after the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) warned social media users against spreading misinformation, disinformation, and unverified content that could mislead the public and aggravate tensions amid ongoing political developments.

Despite the political climate, Nartatez assured the public that the PNP remains focused on maintaining public order and is prepared to secure rallies, vigils, and other mass actions related to developments in the Senate and other government institutions.

He said the police force remains ready to respond to any disturbances while urging the public to remain calm.

“Let us not be distracted with the recent happenings in the political arena and let us focus on our mandate, which is to serve and protect the Filipino people,” Nartatez said.—MCG, GMA News