By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday denied reports that some active and retired officials approached him to withdraw his support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Nartatez said no individual — civilian, or former police official — has reached out to him or his staff in relation to any destabilization efforts.
“Sa atin, wala pa nama kumakausap as well as my staff as well as sa commanders and even sa regional directors. Pagka mayroon, pwede ko silang kausapin (No one has spoken with me as well as my staff as well as the commanders and even the regional directors. If there are any, I can tell them) not to do it,” Nartatez said during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday.
“And what’s the basis? We have a President who won by majority vote. I don’t see any basis para patalsikin (siya) (to remove him from office.),” he added.
Nartatez maintained that there was “no need for a loyalty check” in the police force.
“With or without orders for loyalty check, ginagawa natin ‘yan. Kaya nga sinasabi natin (With or without orders for a loyalty check, we do it. That’s why we say), the state of morale in the PNP is relatively high,” Nartatez said.
He also underscored that under the Marcos administration, reforms are being pushed, particularly against corruption and illegal activities that have contributed to long-standing issues like flooding.
“It started during the July [State of the Nation Address], wherein, siya na mismo ang magsabi (he was the one who said), put a stop to the corruption especially that caused the flooding here in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and even sa lahat (everywhere). So, what’s the basis?” he said.
Retired and active members of the military and police have expressed support for Marcos and his relentless efforts to eradicate corruption in government.
Among those who issued a manifesto of support for Marcos’ anti-corruption drive were members of the Association of General and Flag Officers, Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc., National Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Alumni Association, and Confederation of National Unified Service Associations.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier said the military and other uniformed personnel must remain apolitical and must not be used for political gains or efforts to destabilize the government. (PNA)
