Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) highlighted its aggressive internal cleansing and modernized operational strategies as the primary reasons for its absence from the Anti-Red Tape Authority's (ARTA) list of most complained government agencies for the first quarter of the year. PNP chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., noted that the exclusion of the police force from this list reflects a significant shift in organizational culture. He attributed the achievement to a transition from reactive policing to a more proactive stance through the Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez stated that their absence from the ARTA list is not by chance but a result of deliberate internal reforms. He expressed that the organization has moved towards a proactive model, which is evident from their public trust and satisfaction ratings as per the latest OCTA Research survey. The survey indicated a 63 percent public trust rating and a 61 percent satisfaction rating among Filipinos for the PNP.
Nartatez emphasized that these figures suggest a genuine improvement in how officers handle front-line duties and community interactions, aligning with the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to prioritize the safety of Filipinos. He further directed local police units to adhere strictly to the Citizens' Charter to avoid bureaucratic delays and maintain the current standing by focusing on removing corrupt officers who tarnish the service's reputation.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla remarked that the PNP's record-high public trust and satisfaction ratings indicate a growing sense of safety among Filipinos and a continuing decline in crime rates. He referenced the latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research, revealing that 63 percent of Filipinos trust the PNP, while 61 percent are satisfied with their performance. Remulla credited ongoing reforms and increased police visibility for restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
He highlighted the President's directive for the PNP to enhance safety and police visibility, leading to a reduction in crime and improved public perception. Remulla stated that the government's intensified public safety initiatives, such as the Safer Cities program and expanded police presence, have contributed to significant declines in crime rates across the country.
Remulla shared statistics indicating a reduction in crime by 30 to 40 percent in many areas, with specific crimes like rape and physical injuries decreasing by 80 and 60 percent, respectively. He reiterated that the PNP's achievements demonstrate that institutional reforms and sustained public safety efforts are successfully restoring public trust in law enforcement.
