By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Newly installed acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that the change in leadership will not cause a crisis within the police organization even as the turnover went smoothly.
Nartatez, in a TV interview, revealed he has yet to talk to former PNP chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III after the change in the force’s leadership but added that he might meet Torre at the Office of the PNP chief at Camp Crame on Wednesday.
“‘Yung turnover naman ay smooth so wala tayong nakikitang krisis and ngayon ay nagtawagan na ‘yong ating mga commanders at ine-ensure nila na ‘yong kada opisina nila ay intact and performing their normal duty. So I don’t see any crisis in our organization. Otherwise it would be a breakdown of discipline. So wala tayong nakikita,” said Nartatez.
The new PNP chief vowed to focus on the morale and welfare of police officers through education and other programs that would improve the professionalism of the uniformed personnel.
He, however, vowed to be tough against erring cops.
“We will rigorously implement integrity monitoring at all levels. To weed out rogues in service, integrity is the cornerstone of public service, essential in gaining the trust and confidence of the community,” said Nartatez in his speech on Tuesday.
Nartatez also wanted to further improve police capabilities in running after cybercriminals because they are becoming more rampant and as such, there is a need to refocus on the support system to properly address them.
“Our cybercrime capabilities must be responsive and should adapt to the latest cyber threats and trends. We will prevent these crimes proactively by establishing mechanisms to address emerging threats swiftly,” said Nartatez.
Aside from cybercrime, Nartatez said he will also prioritize strategic deployment to beef up police visibility in every community as part of crime prevention measures.
He said these will be complemented by investigative solutions to ensure apprehension and conviction of the offenders.
He said the campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms and terrorism will also continue since records would reveal that these are the usual reasons for committing crimes in the country. This, he said, will be reinforced by securing vital installations of the country.
Nartatez said he will retain the five-minute police response program started by his predecessor “to assure the public of timely intervention and protection.”
He likewise urged all members of the PNP to work together to achieve President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of a safe and secure community.
“Let us forge a path of hope and integrity as we move forward and enhance the vision set forth by our President,” said Nartatez, who is set to retire in March 2027 like Torre.
Physical fitness
In a radio interview, Nartatez, meanwhile, urged police officers to remain physically fit by passing a physical fitness test (PFT) and obtaining a normal body mass index (BMI).
“Pagdating diyan sa mga training, mayroon yung tinatawag nating periodic health and physical fitness program of the PNP,” said Nartatez.
“Aside from the placement, we ensure during the placement and promotion that they should be compliant or naipasa itong physical fitness test and BMI among others. Ipagpapatuloy natin iyan,” he stressed.
The BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is obtained by dividing a person’s weight expressed in kilograms by his or her height in meters.
For most adults, an ideal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. A range of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, while those having 30 and above are considered obese.
