Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has mandated a comprehensive review of the police force's policies on disability discharge. This move aims to guarantee that officers who sustain life-altering injuries while serving receive fair, modern, and adequate support.
Directive from the Top: Aligning with Presidential Orders
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Nartatez explained that this initiative is part of broader internal reforms. The goal is to ensure wounded law enforcement personnel get the recognition, benefits, and opportunities they have earned. He directly linked this order to the instruction from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who emphasized that uniformed personnel who served the country well must not be abandoned.
The President's directive came after a viral video posted by an Army captain who was blinded by an explosion in the line of duty and faced forced retirement. In response, President Marcos ordered the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to reassess and strengthen their own disability discharge regulations.
Scope of the PNP Policy Review
Nartatez has instructed the PNP Health Service and the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to immediately begin an audit of all existing disability discharge procedures. The review will focus on identifying outdated provisions, systemic gaps, and critical areas that need improvement.
"With the instruction of the President, we are now looking at our procedures to ensure they are updated, fair, and responsive. Kung kailangan ng parallel review, handa po ang PNP na gawin ito," Nartatez stated.
The current legal framework is based on Section 73 of Republic Act 6975, also known as the DILG Act of 1990. This law allows for the retirement or separation of PNP personnel who incur "total permanent physical disability" on duty, depending on their years of service. The specific procedures and standards for disability-benefit claims are detailed in implementing rules set by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
Harmonization and Retention of Skilled Personnel
As a key part of the evaluation, the PNP will consult with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other security agencies. The objective is to harmonize disability ratings, medical evaluation standards, and benefit computations across all uniformed services. "We are open to harmonization. Importante na magkakatugma ang protocols para mas consistent ang pagtrato sa ating mga sugatang personnel," the acting chief said.
Furthermore, Nartatez directed all PNP units to identify administrative, technical, and support roles that could be filled by officers who are no longer medically fit for field deployment but still possess valuable skills. "Marami po tayong tasks na hindi field-related pero critical sa operations. Kung medically unfit for combat ang isang pulis pero may kakayahan pa, we want to retain them so they can still contribute meaningfully," he added.
Commitment to Welfare and Recognition
The acting PNP chief reaffirmed the organization's dedication to enhancing welfare programs for injured personnel. This commitment extends beyond medical care and financial assistance to include counseling and reintegration support.
"May existing benefits po tayo. But beyond that, we want our officers to feel na hindi sila nakakalimutan ng organisasyon. Ang serbisyo nila ay hindi mawawala, and we make sure they receive the recognition they deserve," Nartatez emphasized.
He concluded by underscoring the PNP's full support for the President's clear message: "Malinaw ang mensahe ng Pangulo na hindi natin pababayaan ang mga nag-alay ng buhay para sa bayan. The PNP fully supports this. This strengthens our resolve to recognize and honor police personnel who were injured or permanently disabled while serving the public."
