The Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, its commitment to maintaining peace and order, dismissing rumors linking police personnel to an alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration.
PNP Chief Calls for Political Neutrality
In a statement, PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged individuals and groups to keep the police force out of politics, emphasizing that officers remain focused on their constitutional mandate and professional duties.
“We have better and productive things to do in terms of further reducing the crime rate and making every Filipino safe in the streets and in their homes, rather than involving ourselves into something that will compromise the integrity and professionalism of the PNP as an organization,” Nartatez said.
The police chief stressed that the country's more than 225,000 police personnel remain dedicated to protecting the state and ensuring public safety. He also highlighted that the PNP operates as a non-partisan institution.
“As an institution, the PNP remains apolitical and non-partisan, and all our uniformed personnel perform their mandate with professionalism, discipline, and integrity,” he added.
Background of the Rumors
The statement came amid reports and social media claims of a supposed coup or destabilization attempt involving uniformed personnel. Earlier, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dismissed the rumors as recycled allegations that have surfaced repeatedly in the past.
Nartatez echoed the Palace's position, asserting there is no reason to question the loyalty of PNP personnel to the Constitution and duly constituted authorities. He urged the public to be cautious when consuming online information, particularly on social media.
The PNP chief also warned against spreading false or misleading information, reminding the public to remain discerning and critical of unverified reports.
ICC Warrant and Political Tensions
Nartatez cautioned police personnel against posting political content online amid tensions surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. He maintained that officers must remain professional and politically neutral as public discussions on the ICC issue intensify.
“All PNP personnel are reminded to remain politically neutral and professional at all times, especially on social media platforms. There are existing regulations that prohibit police officers from engaging in partisan political activity or making statements that may compromise the integrity and neutrality of the organization,” Nartatez said.
The ICC issue has fueled political debate following renewed discussions on accountability related to the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign. Supporters and critics of the former administration have traded accusations online.
Dela Rosa's Appeal for Peaceful Action
Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, called for peaceful action from his fellow Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cavaliers amid his looming arrest under the ICC warrant.
“Let me clarify that my appeal is not for violent action. My appeal to them is for peaceful action… to show that we, as PMA graduates, soldiers, police officers, and members of uniformed services, do not want to submit to foreign powers. We want to preserve our sovereignty and not be dictated upon by foreigners,” Dela Rosa said.
“Love of country is not politics. All of us went through training and service to protect the Philippines. Many of us have died defending our nation. There is no politics in that,” he added.
