Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday lauded the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) after attaining a historic zero case backlog and ending a 25-year pileup of 4,000 cases, the first since the Commission’s inception.

This achievement aligns with the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to expedite case handling between government agencies, such as NAPOLCOM, strengthening the country’s efficiency and overall pace towards its justice system.

“For the first time, since the inception of NAPOLCOM, the board has successfully completed its zero backlog case. We have concluded cases as far as 25 years old,” said Remulla.

“Through the diligent effort of the NAPOLCOM, they have now concluded and put a moral hazard to all the policemen, that the NAPOLCOM is a functioning commission; that the NAPOLCOM is a watchdog over the policemen; and that the NAPOLCOM is true to its mandate,” he added.

During its final summary dismissal and En Banc Session earlier Tuesday, NAPOLCOM highlighted its completion of its last six remaining cases, bringing to a close all 4,000 pending cases that they took hold of within the last 25 years.

Remulla credited the milestone to the diligent and sustained efforts of the Commission, emphasizing that the accomplishment reinforces NAPOLCOM’s role as an effective civilian oversight body over the police force.

He also further noted that for more than two decades, the Commission struggled with institutional inefficiencies, but reforms have now professionalized its operations. “Now, we have professionalized the service of the NAPOLCOM, and hopefully, the rank and file of the PNP will follow this impact.”

NAPOLCOM Vice Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan, meanwhile, swore that the Commission shall continue to fast-track its process of handling its administrative cases within a period of 60 days to prevent future backlogs.

Calinisan emphasized that the Commission’s zero case backlog achievement is not directed against the police, but is intended to deliver justice both for the citizens and for the country’s police force.

“So, when we resolved these 4,000 cases, we gave hope. Yun pong ordinaryong tao na nagsumbong, at naaksyonan po yung reklamo nya. Yun pong pulis na inosente, wala na siyang iniisip na kaso laban sa kanya. Pero yung pulis na abusado, siya po ay tanggal na sa serbisyo,” he further added.

Also present during the session were Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief, PLTGen Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., and NAPOLCOM Commissioners Beatrice Aurora A. Vega-Cancio and Josephus G. Angan.