The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Friday that the morale of the police force remains high as he unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at strengthening operations, personnel welfare, and public trust.
Fresh from his first command conference at Camp Crame, Nartatez said he was pleased to meet with 96 top police officials, including 18 regional directors and heads of National Support Units.
“The morale of the PNP is high based on their feedback. I have laid down our programs and focus activities before hearing the emerging problems and challenges in their jurisdictions,” Nartatez told reporters.
The acting PNP chief said his agenda focuses on enhancing the management of police operations, intensifying campaigns against illegal drugs, cybercrime, and other crimes, strengthening security for vital installations, improving personnel morale and welfare, managing resources and logistics more efficiently, updating risk management plans, and ensuring accountability to foster public trust.
“You’re a good commander if you can fix personnel, logistics, and finances,” he stressed, noting that discipline and effective leadership are key to a stronger police organization.
Nartatez also vowed to prioritize security preparations for the October 13 parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“With seven weeks to go, we will make sure this election is safe, secure, and fair by making the necessary contingencies and coordinating closely with the Comelec,” he said.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already enforced a gun ban in BARMM, effective from August 14 to October 28. Authorities earlier placed 94 municipalities in the region under the “red” category, or areas of grave concern.