The Philippine National Police has dismissed more than 9,000 personnel and found a total of 32,698 officers guilty of administrative offenses under its Internal Disciplinary Mechanism over nine years, from July 2016 to 26 November 2025.

Data from the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management showed that 9,027 personnel were removed from service, while thousands of others faced penalties ranging from demotion to suspension and reprimand.

Among those dismissed, 1,037 were involved in drug-related offenses or tested positive for illegal drug use. The report outlined a wide range of administrative penalties, including 1,725 personnel demoted, 15,311 suspended, 1,221 penalized with forfeiture of salary, 4,355 reprimanded, 528 placed under restriction, and 531 who had certain privileges withheld.

The PNP also highlighted progress made during the first 92 days of acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., during which 1,339 administrative cases involving 2,308 personnel were resolved. Of these, 428 personnel were dismissed, 71 demoted, and 448 suspended, with others receiving various penalties.

Another 1,152 cases were dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence or merit.

Nartatez emphasized the PNP’s firm stance on accountability.

“While the PNP is reasonably generous in giving due recognition and reward for outstanding performance, it is also swift and decisive in punishing breach of discipline and misconduct,” he said.

“There is no room for ‘rogue cops’ in this institution. Our zero-tolerance policy is firm — because public trust is non-negotiable,” he added.

He stressed that the disciplinary system, “guided by policies such as PNP Memorandum Circular 20-2020,” remains “robust, transparent, and consistently implemented.”

Morale ‘remains high’ despite continued cleansing

Nartatez also addressed concerns that the internal cleansing campaign may demoralize the police force.

His statements came after charges were filed against six members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for allegedly stealing P13 million from a raid last year.

The PNP chief acknowledged that misconduct persists within the ranks but assured the public that monitoring and disciplinary structures are actively working.

“There are, of course, some personnel still engaging in misconduct but our internal disciplinary mechanisms and integrity monitoring efforts will ensure we cleanse our ranks,” Nartatez said.

Despite high-profile cases, he insisted that the vast majority of police personnel continue to uphold their duties with integrity.

“Will this lower the morale of our personnel? No. Our people’s morale remains high. At least 95 percent of our personnel are performing their duties honorably, and it is only fair that we act decisively against the five percent or fewer who tarnish the image of the PNP. They will be dismissed,” Nartatez pointed out.

The PNP reiterated that its internal cleansing program will continue to ensure accountability, strengthen public trust, and reinforce the professionalism of the police force.