Manila: More than 1,000 police personnel were administratively charged in the first quarter of 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday. Records from the PNP's Internal Affairs Service (IAS) show that 1,048 personnel were charged in 490 administrative cases from January to March 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest figures represent an escalation in internal accountability efforts, as compared to the first quarter of 2025, when 770 personnel were charged in 332 cases. The PNP said in a statement that the increase reflects a disciplinary system that is actively functioning.

IAS chief Inspector General Brigido J. Dulay emphasized that the increase is a sign of tightening accountability. "The increase in cases is not a setback - it is proof that we are tightening our grip on accountability. We would rather expose every violation than allow misconduct to go unnoticed," he said.

Of those charged, 806 are Police Non-Commissioned Officers and 242 are Police Commissioned Officers. To date, the IAS has recommended 323 personnel for various administrative sanctions, including 41 dismissals from the service, 64 suspensions, 20 demotions, and 11 reprimands, while 187 personnel were exonerated.

The PNP said that these intensified efforts align with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to ensure that accountability is applied consistently, transparently, and without exception. "Sa PNP, malinaw ang direksyon natin - lahat ay pananagutin sa kanilang mga paglabag sa tamang proseso (Here in the PNP, our direction is clear - all will be held accountable for their violations). We enforce discipline firmly, fairly, and consistently across all ranks," Nartatez stated.

The IAS noted that its sustained operations aim not only to enforce discipline within the organization but also to strengthen public trust by demonstrating that accountability in the police service is real, visible, and uncompromising.