PNP Chief Maintains Support for Marcos Despite Rumblings
The Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said there is no basis to oust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the wake of recent revelations from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The comments come as questions swirl about whether some retired officers have urged military leaders to withdraw support from the President.
At a press briefing, Nartatez emphasized that there has been no communication with the PNP from officials, whether civilian, retired, or active, about any move to remove Marcos. “Wala pa namang kumakausap,” he noted, underscoring that his team has not been approached by those alleged to be pushing for a leadership change.
He also pointed to Marcos’s electoral mandate as a key factor in his stance. “We have a sitting President who won by majority votes. Taas nga, more than 50 [percent] of the voting number ay nakuha niya. So I don’t see any basis para patalsikin,” Nartatez said, framing the issue in terms of public legitimacy and the president’s electoral win.
Context: What Prompted the Ouster Talk
The discussions about whether to remove Marcos intensified after AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. disclosed that some retired officers had called on the military to withdraw its support. Brawner said the calls were aimed at pressuring, or “resetting,” the political landscape, potentially through a coup or a military junta. He described the communications as aimed at intervention, though he stressed that no such actions materialized during the September 21 protests.
In his remarks, Brawner indicated that the grievances were directed at the President and that the retirees were exploring drastic options to usher in what they called a “reset” for Philippine society. The absence of concrete steps toward a coup or withdrawal of support in practice has kept the situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis, according to military sources.
PNP Morale and What Counts as Loyalty
Nartatez also spoke about the morale within the PNP, describing it as relatively high and focused on doing what is right. He signaled a practical approach to maintaining stability within law enforcement: if anyone tries to recruit PNP officers for a coup or other unlawful actions, the policy is to discourage them and act in accordance with the law.
“No need for loyalty check,” he added, implying that the PNP intends to remain loyal to the constitutional order and to the sitting government. The police leadership appears determined to pursue the appropriate channels for addressing concerns and to avoid becoming entangled in factional politics or extrajudicial maneuvers.
What Is at Stake for the Marcos Administration?
<pThe exchange comes amid public protests over flood-control projects and related governance questions. Marcos’s administration has faced scrutiny over alleged anomalies, and a segment of the public has pressed for accountability. Yet, with the president retaining a broad electoral base, Nartatez’s comments suggest that security forces do not view a change in leadership as necessary or imminent.
Political observers say the absence of formal calls for ouster from credible military or civilian figures reduces immediate risk of a systemic upheaval. However, the episode has underscored the fragility of trust in public institutions and the sensitivity of the armed forces and police to the optics of political interference.
Implications for Governance
Experts warn that even murmurs of coup or withdrawal of support can destabilize markets, influence investor confidence, and complicate governance, especially in a country accustomed to political turbulence. The recent statements from Nartatez and Brawner suggest a preferred path of constitutional legality, reinforced by professional restraint among security agencies, rather than any radical changes to leadership.
