PNP chief: Morale high amid better discipline, camaraderie
Acting Philippine National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. had a chance to blow hard on his “morale” horn and, in the process, met with Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh to discuss “intelligence sharing and joint training programs.”
Nartatez further said he aimed to strengthen the PNP’s capabilities, professional development and programs for the community by “expanding collaboration with other allied nations.”
Kursh was appointed as Israel Ambassador to the Philippines last August.
Cash from Pogo raid
Nartatez maintained that the law enforcement agency’s morale “remains high” amid its efforts to crack down on erring officers.
Nartatez’ statement came after he announced that seven police officers were under investigation after P13.451 million cash went missing from evidence seized from an alleged Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub.
“Will this lower the morale of our personnel? No. Our people’s morale remains high,” Nartatez maintained in a statement.
“At least 95 percent of our personnel are performing their duties honorably. And it is only fair that we act decisively against the 5 percent or fewer who tarnish the image of the PNP. They will be dismissed,” he stressed.
Nartatez previously touted that the police force dismissed 428 officers from the service between Aug. 26 and Nov. 26, for various violations of law enforcement rules.
The top cop added that it demoted 71 officers and suspended 448 for administrative offenses as well, demonstrating that the police force “will not tolerate any behavior that undermines the integrity of the organization.”
