THE National Police (PNP) on Monday stressed its commitment to lawful and impartial operations following Vice President Sara Duterte’s claims that the service’s knowledge of her location supported her allegations of harassment and surveillance.
In a statement, the PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they respect the Vice President’s sentiments and assured her that there was neither an order, nor an effort to harass and conduct surveillance on her.
‘We understand the Vice President’s concerns but I assure her that the PNP remains committed to lawful, professional, and impartial police operations. Our focus is always in maintaining peace and order and police actions are always guided by our duty to protect,’ he said.
The Vice President made the remark that she does not trust the courts or the police and does not feel safe as she posted bail for a case she is facing before the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City.
Nartatez said she made the statement ‘under a situation that needs patience and understanding.’
But he stressed that there were numerous stories of hard work and dedication, including some policemen making an ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, that could speak for the dedication and professionalism of the police.
Nartatez also directed all units to continue monitoring potential threats against the Vice President and her family, while reminding personnel that any security or threat-monitoring activity must be lawful, properly authorized, and professionally conducted. He also ordered that reported threats be assessed separately from law-enforcement actions related to the Vice President’s criminal case.