PNP chief: ‘No basis’ for police to withdraw support for Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — There has been no discussion within the Philippine National Police (PNP) about withdrawing support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., acting PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

At a press briefing, Nartatez said no one has approached him, his staff, or any police commanders and regional directors regarding rumored ouster calls against Marcos.

“We have a sitting president who won by majority votes... more than 50%. So I don’t see any basis para patalsikin,” Nartatez told reporters on Monday, October 6. (I don't see the basis to remove him from office)

He added that the president himself had pushed to end corruption, particularly in public works.

“It started during the July SONA, where he himself said to put a stop to corruption — especially the kind that caused the flooding here in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and even everywhere. So, what's the basis?” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Nartatez also brushed off speculation of internal unrest within the PNP, saying morale remains "relatively high" across all its units nationwide.

“Actually, with or without orders for loyalty check, ginagawa natin yan. Kaya nga sinasabi natin, the state of morale of the Philippine National Police is relatively high,” he said. (Actually, with or without orders for a loyalty check, we are doing that. That is why we are saying the state of morale of the Philippine National Police is relatively high.)

Calls in military rebuffed. His remarks came after Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. revealed that certain groups and retired military officers had publicly called for Marcos’s ouster during the September 21 anti-corruption demonstrations.

Brawner stressed, however, that despite the pressure, the military remained firm in its loyalty to the president.