PNP eyes 20 percent female recruitment quota

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March 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is open to increasing the recruitment quota for female PNP personnel to 20 percent, citing women’s growing role in leadership and law enforcement.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the proposal aims to strengthen the pipeline of female officers capable of taking on key positions in the police force.

As of February, women comprised 52,223 of 236,493 personnel, or 22.08 percent of the total police force, PNP data showed.

The number includes 43,847 uniformed personnel, 8,098 non-uniformed staff and 278 cadets.

Nartatez is pushing for the permanent adoption of a 20-percent quota from 10 percent, to boost female representation in the PNP.

“Female police officers bring a unique perspective to the field. They often prioritize empathy and mediation and excel in handling sensitive cases, making communities feel heard and safer,” he said.

More women are occupying key posts, including high-level commands, he said.