NCRPO taking steps to tackle issue of cops linked to drug cases

The National Capital Region Police Office (Photo from its Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is “taking all necessary steps to address the involvement of its police officers” in illegal drug trading, the NCRPO chief, Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that 177 NCR police officers had been charged with drug-related offenses in 2023.

“We guarantee that these police officers are held accountable for their actions, dismissed from the service, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Nartatez said.

“They have betrayed the public trust and undermined the integrity of the PNP. We will not tolerate this type of behavior within the ranks of the PNP. We are committed to cleaning up the police force and restoring the public’s trust in our law enforcement officers.”

Nartatez added that the PNP would implement new policies and procedures to prevent this from happening again.

“We know that we have a lot of work to do to rebuild trust in our community, but we are committed to doing what it takes to gain the public’s confidence and to make our communities safer,” he said.