NAPOLCOM, IBP, and PNP Forge Agreement to Enhance Legal Training for Police Officers

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Monday with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), aiming to advance legal education for law enforcement officers.

The agreement was formally signed by NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan, IBP National President Atty. Allan Panolong, and PNP Acting Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. NAPOLCOM hailed the partnership as a "groundbreaking move to amplify legal education within the police service."

This MOA establishes a unified framework dedicated to enhancing police legal proficiency, encouraging rights-based policing, and strengthening protections for legal practitioners. Key areas targeted in the collaboration include proper arrest protocols, limitations on warrantless arrests, application of Miranda Rights, evidence handling, maintaining the chain of custody, lawful interrogation methods, and meticulous case documentation.

Commissioner Calinisan emphasized the critical role of education in addressing systemic issues, stating, "Today is about institutions, today is about systems. We know what the problem is, so we need to solve it by bringing in education. Education is a very powerful tool. Here we are, knowing what the law is, we need to make sure that our law enforcers currently are all street-ready."

He further highlighted the necessity for police officers to master the laws they enforce, and expressed optimism about the future of the country through close cooperation among the NAPOLCOM, PNP, and the IBP: "We know the pleas of ordinary citizens, we know the welfare of ordinary policemen, we know the capacity of a lawyer. If we all work together, the NAPOLCOM, the PNP, and the IBP, the country’s lawyers, then our country’s future is bright."

Meanwhile, IBP President Panolong pledged the association’s support in enhancing the legal knowledge of PNP personnel. "The IBP commits to stand with you, not as critics from afar but as colleagues in service so that every lawful action you take is effective, defensible, and just. Together, let us prove that professionalism and compassion can co-exist," he said.

PNP Acting Chief Nartatez described the MOA signing as a reflection of their shared commitment to upgrading the competence of police officers. "We look forward on opportunities this collaboration will bring, and we are confident that our combined efforts will lead to the success of this endeavor," he added.

This alliance marks a significant step toward fostering a more professional, knowledgeable, and accountable police force dedicated to upholding the rights of the community.