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The Paradox of Philippine National Police Frontliners: Challenges

and Resilience Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

Aizel Elumbaring Gujelde

Jose Rizal Memorial State University

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000231

Received: 06 October 2025; Accepted: 12 October 2025; Published: 08 November 2025

ABSTRACT

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic placed the Philippine National Police (PNP) frontliners at the forefront

of crisis response, compelling them to enforce stringent public health measures and community restrictions to

curb the spread of infection. As vital agents in implementing executive and local government orders, PNP

personnel were instrumental in maintaining order and ensuring compliance amid widespread uncertainty and

fear. This study employed a qualitative research design to explore the lived experiences of PNP frontliners during

the pandemic, capturing both the commendable and challenging dimensions of their service. Findings revealed

six major themes reflecting their positive experiences: Unwavering and Non-stop Service, Constant Resilience,

Maximum Tolerance, Family Orientation, Strengthened Faith in God, and Incentive Benefits. These themes

illuminate the officers’ deep sense of duty, moral fortitude, and emotional endurance, driven by familial support,

spiritual grounding, and institutional recognition. Conversely, three significant challenges emerged: Resistant

Traveler Bottleneck, Legal Interpretation Dilemma, and Family Needs Predicament. These obstacles underscore

the operational and ethical complexities inherent in law enforcement during a public health emergency,

particularly concerning policy enforcement ambiguities, public resistance, and personal sacrifices. Despite these

adversities, PNP frontliners demonstrated unwavering commitment and adaptability, ensuring public safety

while navigating immense personal and professional pressures. The study underscores the resilience and moral

courage of law enforcers in times of crisis, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced institutional support, clearer

policy frameworks, and psychosocial interventions to better equip them for future emergencies.

Keywords: CoViD-19, Law Enforcement, Maximum Tolerance, Resistance, Resiliency

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected individuals and communities worldwide, disrupting all

sectors of society, including law enforcement. Among the most significantly impacted were police officers, who

remained steadfast in their duties despite the life-threatening risks posed by the virus. As public servants, they

were at the forefront of enforcing health protocols, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring public compliance

with government directives. According to Interpol (2020), law enforcement officers face unique occupational

challenges during public health crises, as their duties inherently involve unavoidable close contact with the public

in the course of searches, arrests, and community enforcement.

Steiner and Achim (2020) emphasized that police officers play a crucial role in containing disease spread,

maintaining public order, and coordinating with health and local government authorities. Similarly, Mehdizadeh

and Kamkar (2020) found that police personnel experience heightened occupational stress stemming from both

operational and organizational demands—conditions that were intensified by pandemic-related restrictions and

uncertainties. In the Philippines, these challenges were magnified by the dual responsibility of enforcing

quarantine measures while protecting themselves and their families from infection (Cruz & Mendoza, 2022).

Local reports highlight that Filipino police frontliners worked extended shifts in quarantine checkpoints,

vaccination sites, and relief operations, often with limited protective gear and logistical support (Procurement

Service, 2021). For instance, a police staff sergeant assigned in Sta. Mesa, Manila, shared that his team ensured

compliance with health standards while facing constant exposure to the virus. The Philippine National Police

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(PNP) recorded 40,070 confirmed COVID-19 cases among its personnel from March 2020 to October 2021,

with 119 deaths and 37,992 recoveries (PNP, 2021). In Zamboanga del Norte, 95 police officers were reported

infected during the same period, including personnel from Dapitan and Dipolog City Police Stations (ZNPPO,

2021).

These statistics underscore the vulnerability of PNP frontliners who continued to perform their duties under

hazardous conditions. Their experiences reflect both the valor and strain of policing during a global health crisis.

This study, therefore, seeks to explore the lived experiences of PNP frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic,

focusing on their coping mechanisms, challenges, and adaptive strategies. By documenting these experiences,

the study aims to contribute to the development of improved institutional policies, health protection measures,

and psychosocial interventions for law enforcement personnel in future public health emergencies.

THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The lived experiences of Philippine National Police (PNP) frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic can be

better understood through the integration of Piaget’s Cognitive Theory, Lazarus and Folkman’s Coping Theory,

and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation. Together, these frameworks provide a holistic explanation of

how police officers perceived, adapted to, and coped with the extraordinary challenges of pandemic duty while

maintaining motivation and resilience.

According to Piaget’s Cognitive Theory (Ingram, 2012), individuals continuously adapt their thinking and

behavior through assimilation and accommodation in response to environmental changes. This adaptability was

evident among PNP frontliners who faced evolving community quarantine protocols, public resistance, and

infection risks. Their ability to analyze, decide, and act under uncertainty demonstrated advanced cognitive

flexibility essential in law enforcement operations during crises.

Building upon this, Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) Coping Theory emphasizes that stress responses depend on

an individual’s cognitive appraisal of threats and available coping resources. Police frontliners experienced

physical and psychological stressors—from long working hours to fear of infection and social stigma—but their

use of problem-focused coping strategies such as teamwork, communication, and adherence to protocols helped

mitigate stress and sustain operational efficiency (Baron et al., 2021; Daniel, 2023).

Finally, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (Patalinghug, 2017) explains how intrinsic and extrinsic factors

influenced police morale and motivation. While hygiene factors like protective equipment and fair workload

reduced dissatisfaction, intrinsic motivators—such as community appreciation, recognition, and duty

fulfillment—enhanced commitment and perseverance despite adversity (Saguran, 2023).

Integrating these perspectives reveals that the effectiveness of PNP frontliners during the pandemic stemmed

from the interaction of cognitive adaptability, coping strategies, and motivational support. Cognitive

understanding guided their situational judgment; coping mechanisms managed emotional strain; and motivation

sustained their will to serve. Collectively, these theoretical foundations explain how frontliners demonstrated

resilience and professionalism under extreme conditions—showing that effective policing in crises depends not

only on training and command but also on cognition, coping, and motivation working in harmony.

METHODOLOGY

The study employed a transcendental phenomenological research design to explore and describe the lived

experiences of Philippine National Police (PNP) frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how

they coped with challenges, fulfilled their duties, and managed the impact of their work on their personal and

family lives. Rooted in Husserl’s phenomenology and advanced by Moustakas (1994), this approach allowed

the researcher to bracket preconceived notions and uncover the essence of participants’ experiences through rich

qualitative data. Conducted in Dapitan and Dipolog Cities, Zamboanga del Norte, the study involved ten

purposively selected police officers assigned to quarantine control points under the Zamboanga del Norte Police

Provincial Office (ZNPPO)—five of whom had contracted and recovered from COVID-19 and five who had

not. Data were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs)

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facilitated via Google Meet to comply with health protocols. Open-ended questions guided participants to share

their insights, emotions, and reflections regarding their duties, risks, and coping mechanisms. All interviews

were recorded with informed consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006)

Thematic Analysis, which involved systematic coding, categorization, and theme generation to extract core

meanings and recurring patterns. Ethical standards were upheld through informed consent, confidentiality, and

anonymity, with participants identified only by code names. To ensure the rigor and trustworthiness of findings,

the study employed member checking, triangulation, and audit trails, adhering to the criteria of credibility,

transferability, dependability, and confirmability as established by Lincoln and Guba (1985) and Moser and

Korstjens (2017). Overall, this methodological approach provided a comprehensive understanding of how PNP

frontliners navigated the operational, emotional, and moral complexities of serving during a global health crisis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This study employed Husserl’s transcendental phenomenological approach, utilizing Colaizzi’s (1978) seven-

step method to examine the lived experiences of Philippine National Police (PNP) frontliners during the COVID-

19 pandemic. Through iterative coding and thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, significant statements were

identified, clustered, and synthesized into thematic meanings that reveal the essence of the participants’

experiences. The analysis yielded nine overarching themes—six positive and three negative—reflecting both the

valor and vulnerabilities of police officers at the height of the health crisis.

The positive themes— Unwavering and Non-stop Service, Constantly Resilient, Maximum Tolerance, Family-

Oriented, Stronger Faith in God, Incentive Benefits —illustrate the PNP frontliners’ deep-seated dedication to

their sworn duty. Despite heightened risks, officers exhibited enduring commitment to law enforcement and

public safety. Their resilience reflected adaptive coping mechanisms, including emotional regulation, teamwork,

and reliance on moral values to sustain performance under stress (Mehdizadeh & Kamkar, 2020). Practicing

maximum tolerance became vital as officers navigated tense confrontations with civilians resistant to

restrictions—balancing empathy and enforcement (Steiner & Achim, 2020). Family support and spiritual faith

emerged as psychological anchors, providing emotional stability and moral reassurance amidst uncertainty (Bote

& Sarmiento, 2022). Recognition through incentive benefits, both financial and symbolic, reinforced morale and

institutional appreciation of their sacrifice (Philippine National Police, 2021).

Conversely, the negative themes—Resistant Traveler Bottleneck, Legal Interpretation Dilemma, and Family

Needs Predicament—highlighted systemic and emotional challenges that hindered performance. The resistant

traveler bottleneck exposed the friction between law enforcement and public compliance, resulting in physical

and verbal confrontations that tested officers’ patience and ethical resolve (Interpol, 2020). The legal

interpretation dilemma revealed uncertainties in the implementation of overlapping national and local directives,

leading to operational confusion and fear of administrative repercussions. Meanwhile, the family needs

predicament underscored the strain of prolonged separation and anxiety over infecting loved ones, intensifying

feelings of isolation and burnout (Crisostomo & Libarios, 2021).

Overall, the findings capture the duality of the PNP’s pandemic experience—a balance between resilience and

exhaustion, discipline and compassion, faith and fear. These narratives affirm that effective policing in public

health emergencies transcends law enforcement; it demands institutional empathy, clear policy frameworks, and

robust psychosocial support systems. The lived experiences of these officers reveal the necessity for holistic

crisis management approaches—those that safeguard not only community welfare but also the wellbeing of the

enforcers themselves. Strengthening mental health programs, providing clear operational guidance, and fostering

family support mechanisms are crucial in enhancing police resilience and preparedness for future crises.

DISCUSSION OF THEMES

1. Unwavering and Non-stop Service

The theme Unwavering and Non-stop Service encapsulates the PNP frontliners’ profound dedication to their

sworn duty, despite the personal risks and prolonged fatigue brought by the pandemic. Their narratives reveal a

deep sense of patriotism and moral responsibility—an embodiment of their oath to “serve and protect” even

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under extreme uncertainty. Participant 8 emphasized, “I did my very best from the start for the sake of the

country… I need to accept whatever challenges come my way as I serve the country” (P8:SS19), underscoring

the intrinsic motivation anchored in national service. The accounts also reveal self-sacrifice, as many endured

long hours and family separation while performing 24/7 duties, as shared by Participant 8, “Being a law enforcer,

we need to be in service 24/7… stressful but part of our duty” (P8:SS8). This unwavering commitment aligns

with transformational leadership principles within law enforcement, where officers find purpose beyond personal

gain (Mehdizadeh & Kamkar, 2020). Despite stress, their perseverance demonstrates moral resilience—a

capacity described by Rushton et al. (2021) as essential for frontline responders facing ethical and emotional

adversity.

2. Constantly Resilient

The second theme, Constantly Resilient, highlights the officers’ ability to adapt to uncertainty and psychological

stress during the enforcement of public health laws. Participants described resilience not as the absence of stress,

but as an ongoing process of adjustment, emotional regulation, and optimism amidst adversity. Participant 6

stated, “I experienced stress… but I was able to overcome the situation since I know how to handle it. Being

resilient is very important in our part as law enforcers” (P6:SS11). This reflects Luthar and Cicchetti’s (2000)

notion of resilience as dynamic adaptation under stress. Even when facing noncompliant citizens or pressure

from superiors, law enforcers persisted, maintaining functionality and morale. Their capacity to focus on “the

good side” despite difficulties echoes findings from De la Rosa and Cruz (2021), who noted that Filipino

frontliners demonstrated strong bayanihan (collective spirit) and personal faith as psychological buffers during

the pandemic. Thus, resilience served both as a coping mechanism and a professional ethic guiding their conduct.

3. Maximum Tolerance

Maximum Tolerance emerged as a core ethical practice among officers who faced hostile or resistant citizens.

Participants revealed that emotional composure and communication skills were essential in maintaining public

order while avoiding escalation. As Participant 5 shared, “Since this is our job, we law enforcers adjust to the

personality of our countrymen” (P5:SS14). Such flexibility demonstrates procedural justice and empathy,

emphasizing persuasion over punishment. Participant 7 added, “Despite the situation, we adjusted and explained

to the citizens the purpose of the local government orders” (P7:SS15)—a form of community policing consistent

with Tyler’s (2017) theory that legitimacy in law enforcement grows through fairness and respectful treatment.

The officers’ adherence to patience and restraint, even amid provocation, underscores the moral professionalism

required during crisis enforcement, particularly in contexts where tensions between authority and citizen

autonomy are magnified.

4. Family-Oriented

The theme Family-Oriented reflects the emotional duality of law enforcement duty—balancing professional

commitment with familial care. Participants described their families as both a source of strength and a source of

concern, particularly due to fears of viral transmission. Participant 7 disclosed, “I don’t want to go home since

my mother has comorbidities; I’m afraid to bring the virus home” (P7:SS17). This aligns with Bote and

Sarmiento’s (2022) findings that Filipino police officers often suppress emotional distress to protect family

welfare. Others emphasized that the pandemic renewed their appreciation for family life and the need for quality

time, as Participant 5 reflected, “During this pandemic, money is not important, but family is” (P5:SS16). Such

reflections reveal a reordering of priorities toward relational and spiritual well-being, consistent with

Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which recognizes family as a critical microsystem shaping

resilience and purpose in high-stress professions.

5. Stronger Faith in God

Faith was a cornerstone of the officers’ coping strategy, providing emotional stability amid uncertainty. The

theme Stronger Faith in God highlights the role of spirituality as both a personal and collective anchor.

Participant 8 noted, “If I encounter problems, I have no one else to lean on but God… only He can give solutions”

(P8:SS21), while Participant 6 expressed, “Even with problems, as long as God is with us, we can handle it”

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(P6:SS22). These testimonies echo Pargament’s (2011) theory of religious coping, suggesting that faith fosters

hope, meaning, and control during crises. In the Filipino context, religiosity also reflects cultural resilience,

where pananampalataya (faith) and pag-asa (hope) enable individuals to sustain optimism despite hardship. The

officers’ narratives therefore affirm spirituality as a significant psychosocial resource, reinforcing moral

conviction and collective endurance in law enforcement service.

6. Incentive Benefits

The theme Incentive Benefits underscored the motivational effect of institutional recognition, particularly

through hazard pay and other forms of support. While such benefits were not uniformly distributed, their

symbolic value boosted morale among frontliners who risked exposure daily. Participant 7 mentioned, “Only

personnel assigned under MECQ or ECQ areas received hazard pay” (P7:SS24), reflecting disparities in policy

implementation. Nonetheless, officers perceived these incentives as validation of their sacrifices, aligning with

Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory, where recognition and reward reinforce job satisfaction (Herzberg,

1966). In the context of crisis response, fair compensation functions not merely as financial aid but as a moral

acknowledgment of service and risk, enhancing perceived organizational justice (Fernandez & Shaw, 2020).

7. Resistant Traveler Bottleneck

Among negative experiences, Resistant Traveler Bottleneck captured the recurring confrontations with

noncompliant citizens who resisted travel restrictions. Participant 7 described, “It’s difficult controlling the

boundary; citizens have different interpretations of the orders” (P7:SS2), illustrating the challenges of enforcing

dynamic and sometimes inconsistent health directives. Resistance often stemmed from misinformation or

frustration, forcing officers to adapt communication strategies. This echoes Interpol’s (2020) observations that

inconsistent local protocols complicated pandemic policing worldwide. The PNP’s encounters with defiance

from even educated individuals (P8:SS3) reveal deeper issues of public trust and policy coherence, underscoring

the need for clear, empathetic enforcement grounded in transparency and dialogue.

8. Legal Interpretation Dilemma

The Legal Interpretation Dilemma theme emphasized confusion arising from overlapping or rapidly changing

executive orders. Officers reported difficulties explaining shifting policies to the public, often facing hostility

from those unwilling to comply. Participant 9 reflected, “People do not follow the safety protocols… we get

blamed for enforcing them” (P9:SS9). This dilemma reflects the systemic tension between policy formulation

and street-level implementation, as described by Lipsky’s (1980) concept of “street-level bureaucracy.” Law

enforcers were compelled to interpret and implement ambiguous laws while maintaining order—a process that

often exposed them to criticism and burnout.

9. Family Needs Predicament

Finally, the theme Family Needs Predicament highlighted the economic and emotional strain officers faced while

isolated from their families. Participant 9 stated, “It was difficult since nobody could provide for my family’s

needs while I was isolated” (P9:SS6). This experience mirrors findings from Crisostomo and Libarios (2021),

who reported similar struggles among Filipino frontliners balancing duty and domestic obligations. The officers’

commitment despite hardship exemplifies the ethic of malasakit (compassionate service) in Filipino public

service culture, yet it also underscores the urgent need for institutional mechanisms supporting the families of

law enforcers during emergencies.

Analysis of Data

This study utilized Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method to analyze the lived experiences of Philippine

National Police (PNP) frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the extraction of significant

statements, formulation of meanings, and clustering of themes, six positive and three negative thematic structures

emerged, reflecting the paradoxical realities of law enforcement service amid a public health crisis. The

interpretation of findings was primarily anchored on Piaget’s Cognitive Theory (as cited in Ingram, 2012),

supported by Lazarus and Folkman’s Coping Theory and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation (as cited

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in Mark, 2019). Together, these frameworks illuminate how cognitive processes, coping mechanisms, and

motivational factors shaped the officers’ resilience, ethical conduct, and commitment during the pandemic.

According to Piaget’s Cognitive Theory, individuals interpret and respond to their environment through internal

cognitive frameworks that guide understanding and behavior. This was evident in the PNP’s Unwavering and

Non-stop Service, as officers continuously rendered law enforcement and community protection despite the

pandemic’s threats. Their cognitive adaptability enabled them to reinterpret fear and uncertainty into moral

obligation and public duty, demonstrating strong schema of responsibility toward maintaining peace and order

(Cognitive Psychology Theories, 2020). Similarly, the theme Constantly Resilient reflected the officers’

psychological endurance, aligning with Lazarus and Folkman’s Coping Theory, which posits that individuals

actively manage stress through appraisal and adaptive behavior. PNP frontliners employed emotional regulation,

problem-solving, and positive reframing—hallmarks of resilience described in the works of Masten and Barnes

(2018) and Bolton et al. (2017)—allowing them to thrive despite prolonged exposure to high-risk and high-stress

conditions.

The theme Maximum Tolerance further illustrates cognitive-behavioral self-control, as officers consciously

regulated emotions when dealing with resistant citizens. In line with Piaget’s view that cognition influences

action, officers displayed patience and restraint—reflecting moral reasoning and emotional intelligence vital for

de-escalating conflicts. Their composure under public pressure emphasized their understanding of procedural

justice and human dignity, which strengthened community trust during enforcement. Meanwhile, Family-

Oriented and Stronger Faith in God emerged as key personal anchors that reinforced psychological stability.

Filipino law enforcers, known for their close family ties and religiosity, derived strength from familial support

and spirituality—consistent with the culturally rooted concept of bayanihan and the protective role of faith in

coping with trauma (Song & de Jong, 2015; Gebhardt et al., 2017). These themes underscore how intrinsic and

extrinsic motivations intertwined to sustain morale during crisis response.

The sixth theme, Incentive Benefits, was interpreted through Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation,

which distinguishes between hygiene factors (such as safety and salary) and motivators (such as recognition and

achievement). The provision of hazard pay and institutional acknowledgment—though unevenly distributed—

served as morale boosters, reinforcing the officers’ sense of purpose and professional worth. This finding aligns

with Fernandez and Shaw (2020), who emphasize that recognition of public servants’ risks enhances motivation

and institutional loyalty during crises.

Conversely, three negative themes revealed the constraints and emotional burdens of frontliner duty. The

Resistant Traveler Bottleneck described the frequent confrontations with citizens defying health protocols,

resulting in frustration and emotional strain among officers. The Legal Interpretation Dilemma exposed

confusion over inconsistent executive orders and varied local policies, which challenged officers’ cognitive

processing and judgment, a condition that Piaget’s theory would describe as disequilibrium—a temporary state

of confusion requiring cognitive accommodation. Finally, the Family Needs Predicament reflected the emotional

conflict between duty and domestic obligations. Anchored on Herzberg’s Motivation Theory, this theme

highlighted the dual role of family as both a motivator and a source of emotional strain, as officers grappled with

the inability to provide physical and emotional support to their loved ones due to isolation and exposure risks.

In summary, the findings underscore the multidimensional experiences of PNP frontliners who navigated

cognitive, emotional, and moral challenges with resilience and faith. Guided by internal cognitive frameworks,

adaptive coping strategies, and motivational drives, they balanced duty, family, and faith amid an unprecedented

health crisis. The interplay of cognition, coping, and motivation not only sustained their service effectiveness

but also illuminated areas for institutional reform, such as policy clarity, psychological support, and equitable

incentives, to strengthen the law enforcement sector’s preparedness for future emergencies.

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