Marcos tells Torre: Keep PNP ‘clean, noble’
NEWLY-installed PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III yesterday unveiled three “pillars” of his leadership, including a three-minute police response to crimes and other emergencies in urban areas.
Torre assumed the top PNP post in rites presided over by President Marcos Jr. at the PNP national headquarters at Camp Crame.
During the change-of-command ceremonies, the president directed Torre to keep the police force “clean and noble,” and to ensure that the presence of policemen will make the public feel safe in the streets, whether day or night.
Torre, in his assumption speech, said he will lead with “three core pillars.”
“Pillar No. 1 is in compliance with the directive of the president for swift and responsive public service… We will institutionalize a three-minute emergency response time in major urban centers, and this had been done already during my term in Quezon City in the three-minute response time project,” he said.
Torre implemented the program when he was director of the Quezon City Police District about three years ago.
“This is not just a benchmark, it is a lifeline. Every call for help deserves immediate attention and action,” said Torre.
In a press briefing after the ceremonies, Torre said the three-minute emergency response program will soon be implemented throughout the country.
At the rites, Torre said more policemen will be seen in the streets, in the communities, in market places, and other areas where lawmen are supposed to be present so the public will feel safer.
Another pillar of Torre’s leadership is enhancing unity and morale in the 220,000-strong police force.
“A divided force cannot defend a nation. Thus, we will strengthen our core from within, guided by discipline, mutual respect and leadership by example,” he said.
Torre said policemen will be given the best in terms of training, leadership, support and opportunity to grow.
“Pillar No. 3 (is) accountability and modernization … We will modernize our systems, enhance our investigative tools and adopt innovative technologies that protect rights while ensuring order,” he said.
IMPROVED SERVICE
Torre assured policemen he is going to lead efforts to further improve the integrity of the police force. He urged policemen to support such initiative.
To the public, Torre said they will be given improved police service, including in the protection of human rights. He said the PNP will strengthen partnership with the public “so we can better understand local needs and respond to them with empathy and precision.”
To foreigners staying in the Philippines, Torre said, “I promise that all of our laws apply equally to all, regardless of nationality. We are committed to upholding everyone’s right, safety, dignity, including yours.”
COMMUNITY PRECINCTS
In the press briefing, Torre said he is not a fan of police community precincts (PCPs) which are usually manned by a few policemen.
“I really don’t believe in those PCPs or police community precincts which serve as hangout areas for policemen,” he said.
Torre said PCPs are usually manned by two policemen, who will have to leave such “police box” or “fix structures” when they respond to any situation.
“I would rather have the police walk their beat,” he said.
“We’ll study the possibility of deactivating those small PCPs and assign the policemen to patrol cars,” said Torre, adding that policemen can readily respond to any emergency, noting people can now seek help through mobile phones.
Torre thanked the president for appointing him as the PNP chief.
Torre is the first product of the Philippine National Police Academy to head the PNP.
Torre’s 30 predecessors, including his predecessor Gen. Rommel Marbil, are all graduates of the Philippine Military Academy.
“This is a position of trust … you have my full commitment, and I will abide solely by your directive in faithful service to our nation and the strengthening of the Philippine National Police,” Torre told the president.
He thanked Marbil for his “service and legacy,” and assured the latter he will “build on your efforts and aims to steer our organization forward, grounded in unity and guided by the principles of the rule of law.”
“We recognize that every step we take from today is built on the foundations that you have laid,” he said.
CLARITY, COURAGE
Marcos said Torre’s assumption as PNP chief comes at a time when there is a need for “clarity, for courage, and for conviction” amid the evolving challenges confronting the country such as transnational crimes, cyber threats, extremist violence, and police misconduct.
“At the same time, the opportunities to earn trust and improve public service have never been more reachable. Your leadership will help define what kind of police force we continue to build: one that acts with precision, responds with compassion, and stands as a pillar of accountability,” Marcos said.
The president directed Torre to keep the ranks of the police force clean and noble by expediting the cases against policemen. He reminded the police officers their badge should not be used for their own welfare and benefits.
“As law enforcement officers, the entire police force is expected to act honorably, serve faithfully, and be a pillar of support for our countrymen. Avoid using privilege for personal gain. Be instruments of righteousness, peace, and progress,” he said in Filipino.
POLICE PRESENCE
Marcos directed the PNP to ensure that policemen in the streets give immediate assistance to those in need.
“Make them feel that the police are ready sympathize and defend them at all times,” he added.
The president also directed the PNP to sustain and strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs, enjoining the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to work with the police force.
Marcos said the police should not just continue conducting drug seizures but also ensure that cases are filed against the drug dealers and drug lords.
Torre, who was chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief before assuming the top police post, handled high-profile cases such as the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his turnover last March to the International Criminal Court in The Hague where he is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s war on drugs.
As head of the Police Regional Office 11 in the Davao region, Torre also led the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy in September last year over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.
The president recognized Marbil’s role in restoring the people’s confidence and trust in the police force and for ensuring public safety during the peaceful and credible conduct of the May 12 midterm elections, among other accomplishments.
“General Marbil, you led the PNP with a compass firmly set on integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights. In your stewardship, the PNP became a more people-centered, structured, and regulated institution. You guided our officers to serve with integrity, and in doing so, you restored the people’s confidence in the uniform that the police wear,” Marcos said.
Marbil was supposed to retire on February 7, but his term was extended due to the elections.
Marbil, who served PNP chief since April 1, 2024, is known for the enforcement of the “No Tolerance for Cover-Ups” or “Zero Tolerance Policy” on police misconduct; for streamlining organizational policies; and advocating for free legal services to military and uniformed personnel facing civil, criminal or administrative charges related to the lawful performance of their official duties.
RESHUFFLE
Torre, in the press briefing, said a reshuffle of key police officials looms, noting the president’s directive to enhance police visibility in the streets and to go after street-level pushes and drug users, part of the government’s renewed campaign against crimes.
Torre said the reshuffle will happen also due to impending retirement of police officials.
“On whether I will do a reshuffle, there will be changes. It’s definite; there will be changes because some are retiring,” he said.
“There are also new directives from the president … It’s imperative for us to adjust accordingly,” said Torre, adding that such movements will not be “earth-shaking.”
“Everything, on the appointments that we are doing or we will be doing will be merit based. There will be no favoritism. We have to be merit based,” he said.
Torre said police officers will be assigned to certain positions because they can “bring something to the table.”
“It’s not because they are our friends, not because he is from this class, not because he is from a certain area,” he said.
