Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday urged the new PNP Academy graduates to help transform the police force into "true protectors" of the nation. in a ceremony at Camp Crame, Nartatez administered the oath of 326 new officers - 230 men and 96 women - who will be deployed to Police Regional Offices and the Special Action Force. "The nation does not expect you to be perfect. But it expects you to be honest, brave, and committed. Hindi kayo pinili para maging ordinaryo - pinili kayo para maging halimbawa (You were not chosen to be ordinary - you were chosen to be an example)," the PNP chief told the graduates.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez expressed confidence in the new officers as they begin deployment nationwide. "Go out there and prove that you are worthy of the ranks you wear today. Be the officers our country needs, be the leaders your fellow officers deserve, and be the hope that our people can rely on," Nartatez said.
He also reminded the graduates that real service begins beyond the academy. "This is not the finish line. This is where the real journey begins. Hindi na ito (This is no longer) simulation. Hindi na ito (This is not) training exercise. This is where decisions are real, where consequences are immediate, and where the lives of our people will depend on you," he said.
Nartatez also took the opportunity to raise concern over a recent hazing incident involving underclassmen at the PNPA, even as he reiterated that stricter measures are being prepared to end hazing and reform cadet training. "The cycle of wrong mindset on leadership and discipline among the cadets must stop, and it starts now. We will strengthen the existing mechanisms to deny any opportunity for violent and inhumane hazing activities," he said.
Planned measures include improved reporting systems, regular inspections, and training focused on leadership and accountability. According to reports, more than 20 cadets suffered burns to drain cleaner and muriatic acid during hazing.
Nartatez said those involved may face expulsion and criminal charges under the Anti-Hazing Law, while the injured cadets will receive full medical and psychological support. He also ordered a thorough investigation and a review of training practices, signaling a shift away from punitive methods.
"We are shifting from 'punishment-based' to 'performance-based' training. We have to replace the tradition of violent hazing with 'science-based conditioning.' We want officers who are tough because they are skilled, not because they survived violence," he added.
