By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – New Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Monday vowed to focus on three leadership pillars — swift and responsive public service, unity and morale within the ranks of police, and accountability and modernization.
Torre committed to institutionalizing the three-minute police response time in major urban centers nationwide, a program he first implemented as director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
“Pillar No.1 is in compliance with the directive of the President for swift and responsive public service. This is not just a benchmark, it is a lifeline. Every call for help deserves immediate attention and action,” Torre said in his speech during the PNP change of command ceremony led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
“Everybody should be on their toes because the standards will always be set by the chief PNP and I want them to be better than me.”
Torre also emphasized that unity in the police force is crucial in defending the nation and protecting the Filipinos.
“A divided force cannot defend a nation, thus we will strengthen our core from within guided by discipline, mutual respect and leadership by example. To our men and women in uniform, we expect the best from you in protecting others,” he said.
“With this expectation we will also give you the best training, best leadership, best support, and the best opportunity to grow in this institution because those who are asked to give all also deserve nothing less in return.”
He likewise emphasized the importance of a modernized PNP to enhance investigative tools and adopt innovative technologies that protect rights while ensuring order.
Torre replaced Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil as the 31st chief and head of the 231,000-strong police force.
He is the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy to lead the PNP, belonging to the “Tagapagpatupad” Class of 1993.
In his first press conference as PNP chief, Torre said the number of arrests will be the “metrics” for promotion and placement of PNP officers.
However, he underscored that operations must ensure suspects are apprehended alive and that human rights are upheld.
“Tandaan natin ‘yang mga tao na inaresto mo, hindi mo binaril o pinatay, buhay ‘yan. Andyan ang human rights (Let’s remember that the people you arrest, you don’t shoot or kill them, they are life. That’s were human rights are),” Torre said.
Torre gave assurance that police officers will receive legal assistance if they encounter legal challenges while performing their duties.
Torre is known for successfully leading high-profile cases as chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, including the arrests of Kingdom of Jesus Christ pastor Apollo Quiboloy in DaVao City and former president Rodrigo Duterte for turnover to the International Criminal Court.
Torre will serve as PNP chief for one year and nine months before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 in March 2027.
Marbil turned 56 in February but was extended by the President for four months. (PNA)
