Acting PNP chief orders maximum tolerance during 3-day INC rally

Following the start of the three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” and participation from other individuals, Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (ACPNP) Jose Nartatez Jr. reminded the force to refrain from abusing their power by intimidating or harming civilians.

"As you begin your three-day deployment in the assembly sites and other strategic areas, let me remind you again that we have no business using our power and authority to intimidate and hurt the civilians that we vowed to serve and protect," Nartatez said.

"That is not what we are trained for—and that is not who we are as proud members of the Philippine National Police," he emphasized.

Nartatez explained that every police officer should exercise maximum tolerance and only use necessary and appropriate force as a last resort, and only against those who have a “twisted concept that violence is part of the freedom of expression.”

"Let me also emphasize that we in the Philippine National Police are not the saviors of this country; rather, we are the protectors of the Philippines, its people, its laws, and all the democratic institutions it represents," Nartatez stated.

According to Nartatez, the presence of the police during recent calamities serves as a symbol of hope, showing civilians that the government is still present amid challenging times. He highlighted that the ongoing protests present another opportunity for the police to demonstrate their professionalism.

"From strong earthquakes to destructive typhoons, our presence was felt in affected communities and became hope for all our kababayan that everything will be okay because the government our uniforms represent was with them before, during, and after these calamities," Nartatez said.

"Today, we are again faced with another challenge—a challenge to our professionalism and integrity amid the public call for truth and accountability," he added.

Furthermore, the Acting PNP Chief noted that, despite possible feelings of frustration or disappointment, police officers must learn from these experiences and work toward making the country a better place to live.

"Let us then focus on our mandate of respecting duly constituted authorities, upholding the Constitution, and serving and protecting the Filipino people. That is who we truly are as proud and professional members of the Philippine National Police," Nartatez concluded.