PNP orders cybercrime training review; Napolcom eyes reforms in police exams

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all its units to assess gaps in cybercrime training and strengthen frontline officers’ ability to handle complaints, preserve digital evidence, and assist victims of online scams.

PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the directive as the organization welcomed the National Police Commission’s (Napolcom) plan to integrate cybercrime competencies into criminology education, police training, and relevant entrance and promotional examinations.

Nartatez said all police officers should be equipped to respond to evolving digital threats, regardless of their assignments.

“We welcome this initiative because effective policing must keep pace with the evolving methods of criminals,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“Every police officer must have the knowledge and competence to respond to cybercrime, protect digital evidence, and ensure that victims receive the assistance and justice they deserve,” he added. 

Under the directive, police commanders must assess their units’ training needs and identify personnel requiring additional instruction in receiving cybercrime complaints, preserving digital evidence, and providing victim assistance.

The PNP also seeks to expand basic cybercrime awareness and response training among officers who regularly deal with complaints from the public.

Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan earlier announced the proposed reforms during the first Philippine Cybercriminology Summit 2026 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City on October 8.

“Cyber-readiness should no longer be optional; it must become part of what it means to be a police officer,” Calinisan said, stressing that cybercrime preparedness should be expected of police personnel regardless of rank or assignment.

The commission plans to review criminology curricula, the Philippine National Police Academy curriculum, and police training programs to incorporate cybercrime education into basic police preparation and continuing instruction for officers already in service.

The commission will also explore incorporating cybercrime competencies into relevant PNP entrance and promotional examinations to ensure that assessments reflect the skills needed for effective policing.

“If cybercrime knowledge is important to policing, then it should also be reflected in how we assess the quality and readiness of our police personnel,” Calinisan said.

He stressed the importance of preparing future police officers through criminology schools and training institutions while ensuring that incumbent personnel keep pace with emerging digital threats.