June 27, 2023

Today, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. clarified that the recently reported reassignments of eight high-ranking PNP officials are currently just recommendations, which are subject first to NAPOLCOM confirmation, and then Presidential approval.

“Linawin lang natin na may prosesong kailangang sundin. Ang listahan ng mga napiling opisyal ay isusumite sa NAPOLCOM para sa kumpirmasyon. Kung makumpirma ng NAPOLCOM, mapupunta yung listahan sa Pangulo para sa kanyang pag-apruba,” Abalos said.

Yesterday evening, various news outlets had reported that PNP had assigned a number of generals to various key positions in the PNP leadership, including the heads of the National Capital Region Police Office, the Directorate for Intelligence, the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, and the Directorate for Logistics.

Abalos explained that Sec. 6 (3) (f) of NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 2019-001 provides, “The assignment/designation of the [concerned positions] shall be submitted to the Commission for confirmation prior to the submission of the same to the President for approval.”

Also, Abalos noted that the NAPOLCOM’s authority in this regard stems from Sec. 6, Art. XVI of the 1987 Constitution, which provides: “The State shall establish and maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope and civilian in character, to be administered and controlled by a national police commission.”

Abalos added, “Civilian control over the police is a hallowed principle of our fundamental law. Rest assured that the NAPOLCOM will carry out its duty to oversee and enhance the administration of the PNP.”

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-Reassignments-of-PNP-Top-Brass-to-Pass-Through-NAPOLCOM-for-Presidents-Approval/NC-2023-1112