PNP dismisses 1,337 cops from service

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has dismissed 1,337 cops who committed grave offenses since August last year, a PNP data released on Friday showed.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police officers were discharged due to grave misconduct for committing offenses such as extortion, moonlighting, gunrunning and robbery.

He added that 2,276 police officers were suspended, 235 were demoted, 672 were reprimanded, 100 had their salaries forfeited, 41 were restricted to quarters and 100 had their privileges withheld.

“Accountability is not measured by the number of cases we handle, but by our willingness to act with fairness, consistency and integrity every single time,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Meanwhile, 3,524 police officers accused of wrongdoings were exonerated after undergoing investigation.

The PNP has posted a 78-percent case resolution efficiency under Nartatez’s term.

Nartatez stressed that every administrative complaint is evaluated based on evidenced and established procedures, stressing that police officers who are found innocent are accorded the same protection of due process, which ensures fairness and impartiality.

He added that accountability applies to every police officer without exception, citing the case of two policemen who were arrested in Caloocan for gunrunning.

“That is how we protect the credibility of the PNP and the honor of the many police officers who faithfully serve the Filipino people,” Nartatez said.