PNP lauds Ombudsman junking admin raps vs cops

The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed satisfaction Wednesday with the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to clear five police personnel from administrative charges stemming from a July 2021 operation in Quezon City.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the decision highlights the importance of relying on evidence and established legal processes to resolve complaints against law enforcers.

Nartatez said the development aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure strict adherence to human rights, institutional integrity, and command responsibility in nationwide operations.

“The PNP respects the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman and recognize the importance of due process in determining accountability,” Nartatez said. “At the same time, we remain committed to transparency and will respect any further legal remedies pursued by the parties concerned.”

The cases involved the July 2021 arrest of two activists in Barangay Pansol, Quezon City, on allegations of illegal possession of firearms, attempted murder, and murder. A court cleared the activists, leading to their release in April 2025.

The activists subsequently filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against Police Master Sgt. Jehrome Chico, Police Corp. John Ronoel Conde, Patrolman Julius Edward Mahinay, and Patrolwomen Mary Grail Waclin and Magdalena Lipata, seeking their dismissal from service and the forfeiture of their benefits.