Nartatez says there is ‘secrecy’ in police operations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said that it is working quietly and only gives information when necessary after Sen. Panfilo Lacson reminded authorities to keep high-profile cases discreet.

“There is always secrecy in our police operations. If there is a need for us to talk and or give the details, then we are doing it,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters after a briefing on the rescue operation at a scam hub in Pasay City.

READ: ‘Secrecy discipline’ is key in hunting down Bato dela Rosa, says Lacson

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Lacson, in a post at X, formerly Twitter, urged authorities to maintain secrecy when handling a sensitive live case and only publicize information until after the operation is complete.

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“Pag may tanong kayo, wala naman akong direct na sinasabi about group or names,” Nartatez said, referring to the manhunt against Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.

(If you have any questions—though I’m not mentioning any specific groups or names.)

Nartatez explained that they are only informing essential details without disclosing the whole operation, such as indicators that the senator may have been protected in a certain area.

The PNP previously intensified its operations and established regional tracking teams after the deadline it set for dela Rosa to surrender had passed.

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A P50-million bounty was also placed for his arrest after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla declared him “armed and dangerous.”

The senator is wanted after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant of arrest for his role as police chief in the bloody anti-drug campaign of the Duterte administration. /jpv