The Enhanced Management of Police Operations (EMPO) is one of the priority programs of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), as stipulated in his Focused Agenda, which serves as the current operational pillars of the organization. Under this agenda, PNP ensures a data-driven police operations, adapting modern strategies and approaches, with the aid of the existing technological advancements to address the ever-changing landscape of crimes such as transnational crimes, illegal drugs, terrorism, and cybercrimes with precision and foresight.
Following the nationwide implementation of the new PNP Focused Agenda, on October 11, 2025, the Nation’s Peacekeeper held its first-ever EMPO Challenge, where the participating police units excellently displayed their leadership and operational skills as well as their expertise in providing timely and accurate police responses vital to the given scenario.
The participating teams were composed of the five districts of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)— the Manila Police District (MPD) led by Police Brigadier General Arnold Abad; the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) led by Police Colonel Randy Glenn Silvio; the Northern Police District (NPD) led by Police Brigadier General Jerry Protacio; the Eastern Police District (EPD) led by Police Brigadier General Aden Lagradante; and the Southern Police District (SPD) led by Police Brigadier General Randy Arceo.
During the challenge, the participants were given a scenario wherein an unattended baggage with visible protruding wires was reported by a concerned citizen via 911 Emergency Hotline. The area where the baggage was left was heavily trafficked by pedestrians, street vendors, and tricycle drivers, posing an immense threat if it indeed contained an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
Each Unit applied appropriate operational procedures, including a thorough assessment of the scene; coordination through handheld radios, Zoom and Discord platforms, and body-worn cameras; deployment of drones for real-time situational awareness; and in proactively securing the area to ensure the safety of bystanders.
The scenario served as a critical test of the participants’ operational judgment, strategic thinking, and adherence to PNP Operational Procedure (POP) Manual. It truly tested the police districts’ teamwork, rapid decision-making, and leadership under operational pressure, demonstrating the PNP’s ability to efficiently integrate technology with tactical operations in handling emergency situations.
PLtGen Nartatez personally led in the panel of evaluators, who meticulously reviewed every aspect of the criteria to determine which among the five districts excelled in the EMPO Challenge 2025. The PNP Top Cop also provided constructive feedback, highlighting key areas for improvement and lessons learned.
He reiterated that the true essence of EMPO is not just about response time, it is about what you do upon arriving at the scene. He emphasized the importance of carefully assessing the situation, planning tactical approaches, and implementing various operational tactics in line with POP standards. Officers must consider alternative responses, provide administrative support, and give clear operational guidance to subordinates while maintaining effective leadership throughout the operation.
The evaluators also highlighted the importance of investing in equipment and technology to prevent further damage and casualties, ensuring that responses are both safe and effective. They encouraged participants to continuously improve the quality of their responses, plan carefully before deploying personnel, and exercise leadership that ensures proper command execution.
After the challenge, the participants were commended for their initiative and rapid deployment; however, the raters emphasized the need for more efficient and strategic unit deployment, ensuring that every action is pre-planned and coordinated under a unified command. They pointed out that decision-making must not only be swift but also well- calibrated, taking into account all available information to minimize risks to life and property.
In the end, MPD received the highest percentage score among the five participating police districts and was declared the Champion of the PNP EMPO Challenge 2025, setting the bar higher for other police units nationwide.
PLtGen Nartatez commended the outstanding efforts displayed by all participants, “I congratulate all the participants, especially the Manila Police District as the winner, for their skill, leadership, and teamwork. Through EMPO, we are building a police force that responds to every emergency swiftly, honesty, and is truly felt by the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, on October 13, during the Flag Raising Ceremony at the PNP National Headquarters, PLtGen Nartatez once again stressed the significance of EMPO in the PNP’s effectiveness, stating: “The Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) is the heart of our mission. We continue to intensify our campaigns against illegal drugs, loose firearms, terrorism, and cybercrimes. Kasabay nito, pinatitibay natin ang seguridad ng mga vital installations at ang pagiging handa sa mga malalaking aktibidad o sakuna.”
Through initiatives like the EMPO Challenge, PNP continues to elevate its operational standards fully anchored on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for Bagong Pilipinas.
