There is no demoralization within the ranks of the Philippine National Police following the relief of General Nicolas Torre III, PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said.
Tuaño made the statement as Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. presided over his first command conference as acting chief of PNP on Friday, Aug. 29, bringing together senior police officials to set the tone for his leadership and outline his priorities for the organization.
During the top-level meeting at the PNP National Headquarters, Camp Crame in Quezon City, Nartatez stressed his seven-point command guidance, a strategic plan which focuses on improving police operations and effectiveness.
The guidance encompasses enhanced management of police operations, combating specific crimes such as illegal drugs and cybercrime, strengthening security for vital installations, ensuring personnel morale and welfare, and managing human, material, and financial resources.
The plan also includes revisiting risk management plans and focusing on public trust through a disciplined and accountable police force.
“Of course, we want the field commanders to be clarified on the details of what he wants to implement regarding his seven-thrust program,” said on the details of the command conference.
“There is no demoralization within the ranks of the PNP,” he stressed, adding that the meeting brought together top commanders and directors from the national headquarters and regional offices.
According to Tuaño, Nartatez would not implement a major reshuffle, saying the new top cop “is a very, very professional officer.”
“Even if you are identified with the former chief PNP (Torre), it will not be a hindrance. What will be the basis is your performance while holding your current position. Even when he was the regional director in Region 4A (Calabarzon) and NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office), he would never remove an official without a just cause,” the PNP spokesman noted.
Among the first moves that Nartatez made after assuming the post was to remove Police Brig. Gen. Jean as the PNP spokesperson as she is concurrently the director for comptrollership of the PNP.
But Tuaño explained that there was “incompatibility” in the two offices being held by Fajardo.
He said being the PNP spokesperson involves handling media and public affairs while the position of the director for comptrollership entails managing the finances of the police organization.
“There is an incompatible office in being the spokesperson and director of comptrollership. The PNP chief is also studying whether the spokesperson of the Office of the Chief PNP should be removed since there is already a Public Information Office under the Office of the Chief PNP,” said Tuaño, who is also the head of the PNP-PIO. (Martin Sadongdong)
