The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Sunday said it is set to officially declare the completion of its Zero Backlog initiative on cases against erring police officers by the last working day of 2025.

Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the commission is on track to clear all pending cases by 23 December, marking a major milestone in its drive for faster case resolution and institutional reform.

“This was my first marching order, and today we can confidently say we delivered,” Calinisan said in a statement. “We are on track for zero backlog by Tuesday, where our formal announcement will be made.”

Napolcom said it was able to resolve all pending cases, including those dating back more than 25 years. Clearing the backlog was the first directive issued by Calinisan when he assumed office in April this year.

Calinisan credited the accomplishment to the collective effort and discipline of Napolcom officials and personnel nationwide, saying it underscores the agency’s commitment to accountability and responsive public service.

“We finished a 25-year case backlog, something many thought was impossible,” he said. “But with service, integrity, and teamwork, we proved that genuine reform can happen.”

With the completion of the initiative, Napolcom reiterated its mandate to ensure accountability within the police service while safeguarding the welfare and morale of police officers and upholding fairness and justice for the public.

Meanwhile, the commission condemned the killing and wounding of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel during an armed encounter in Sitio Pulyok, Barangay San Isidro, Candelaria, Quezon, on December 19.

Initial reports from the Quezon Provincial Police Office said personnel from the 1st Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting mobile patrol operations when they encountered several armed individuals near a banana plantation.

The suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting police officers to return fire before the assailants fled the scene.

Police Master Sergeant Sonny Caringal, Patrolman Kim Kenneth Averia, and Patrolman Ron Jay Chavez were wounded and rushed to United Candelaria Doctor’s Hospital. Chavez was declared dead on arrival.

Calinisan extended condolences to the family of Patrolman Chavez and expressed support for the recovery of the wounded officers. He said attacks against law enforcement personnel will not be tolerated and called for the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible.

Napolcom said it is coordinating closely with the PNP and other authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and the pursuit of justice in accordance with the law.