Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the filing of airtight administrative and criminal cases against six policemen from the Manila Police District (MPD) who were arrested for their alleged involvement in a robbery incident.

In a statement on Friday, Nartatez commended the Makati City Police for the swift operation that led to the arrest of the six officers.

He also directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to place the involved policemen under restrictive custody and preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing.

“I will personally monitor the progress of this case to make sure that these policemen will not only be dismissed from the service but also go straight to jail. Criminal-minded policemen do not deserve to wear the uniform and use our badge,” Nartatez said.

The PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has already initiated administrative proceedings that may result in the dismissal of the officers from the service. Meanwhile, the Makati City Police are preparing the corresponding criminal charges.

Nartatez said the arrest of the suspects by fellow police officers underscores the organization’s stance against misconduct within its ranks.

“The fact that it is also PNP personnel who arrested these erring policemen says a lot in terms of zero tolerance for wrongdoing in the organization,” he said.

The PNP chief also instructed investigating teams to ensure that cases filed against the six MPD policemen are supported by strong evidence and ordered that the victim be protected if necessary.

“We will strengthen morale and welfare because discipline and motivation are operational necessities, not privileges. Policing must be firm, fair, and anchored on integrity. These are not slogans; these are standards,” Nartatez stressed.