The Philippine National Police (PNP) will review existing protocols in handling police personnel under restrictive custody.

The move was ordered by PNP chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. following a stabbing incident at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) office in Camp Crame on 13 January.

Nartatez directed that the probe be expanded to include possible changes to rules governing the custody of police officers facing administrative or criminal cases.

“I have already directed all units and offices to conduct a review of the existing protocol to prevent the repeat of this unfortunate incident,” he said.

Initial findings showed that the incident involved two CIDG personnel who were both under restrictive custody for the alleged theft of cash evidence seized during a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raid in Bataan in 2024.

The two officers, along with other personnel, were preparing for a scheduled preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice when one allegedly stabbed the other using a kitchen knife inside the CIDG office.

PNP officials said part of the review will focus on how custodians respond to behavioral changes among personnel under restrictive custody. The suspect was reported to have shown such changes prior to the incident.

Nartatez also said the PNP would examine the effects of prolonged restrictive custody on personnel facing serious charges.

The injured officer remains under observation at the PNP General Hospital, while the suspect is expected to undergo the necessary medical and psychological assessments.

The PNP chief added that he has instructed all unit commanders and heads of offices to conduct a similar review of custody procedures and supervision of personnel.