Dear Editor,  

Our police, firefighters, and jail officers don’t usually make headlines for silent protests. But that’s exactly what’s happening. 

All 18 Philippine National Police regional directors issued a statement of support for their chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, after a National Police Commission (Napolcom) order reversed the latter’s August 6 reassignment of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the deputy chief for administration and Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac as Area Police Command Western Mindanao commander. 

Their manifesto supports "the line of authority," implicitly challenging Napolcom's intervention, and speaks volumes about who they trust, and who they don’t – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.  

Trust isn’t only broken by grand scandals but also by his small acts of overreach, like the recent meddling in routine reshuffles to protect favored officers, undermining the PNP’s independence through the Napolcom, and putting personal ties above fairness.  

This is no longer about politics, but the morale of those who keep us safe. When our protectors feel disrespected by their own leader, people’s safety is at risk. Demoralized first responders can’t give their best.  

Secretary Remulla may not hear the whispers in the ranks, but we should. When the people tasked with unity become a source of division, it’s time for a change in leadership.  

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should realize that the DILG is too vital for cracks in its foundation. The DILG is not a playground for politics or personal agendas—it is a pillar of national security. And when that pillar is cracked, it is the duty of the President to replace it before the entire structure collapses.

For the sake of the men and women in uniform – and the millions they protect – we need leadership that unites, not divides.  

Sincerely,  

A citizen who values safety over politics