Manila, April 1 -- A total of 232 police officers were dismissed from service in the first three months of the year over various infractions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday, as it stepped up internal disciplinary measures.

The dismissals were part of administrative sanctions imposed on 740 PNP personnel from Jan. 1 to March 25. Of the total, 36 officers were demoted and 333 suspended, while others faced penalties, such as salary forfeiture, reprimand, restriction, and withholding of privileges.

"Hindi natin kinukunsinti ang mali. Patuloy nating pinapanagot ang mga lumalabag, anuman ang ranggo (We do not tolerate wrongdoing. We continue to hold violators accountable, regardless of rank)," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio...