Marcos to Torre: Ensure clean police ranks, make cops felt by public

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday called on newly-designated Philippine National Police chief Police General Nicolas Torre III to ensure “clean” police ranks and make the cops’ presence felt by the public.

Marcos led the PNP change of command ceremony where Torre replaced Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil. He said Torre's assumption of command comes at a time that there are calls for clarity, for courage, and for conviction, noting that there are evolving challenges such as transnational crimes, cyber threats, extremist violence, and police misconduct.

“Hamon ko sa 'yo, panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng kapulisan. Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang maibigay natin ang hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon,” Marcos told Torre in his speech.

(I challenge you to ensure a clean police ranks, who serve with integrity. Hasten the probe into cases involving police who allegedly violated the law so that justice may be served.)

“Paigtingin ang presensya ng kapulisan sa lansangan… Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis agad na reresponde,” he added.

(Make the cops’ presence felt in the streets. If the public has concerns, the cops must immediately respond.)

Marcos said the police organization should continue engaging with communities and stakeholders in ensuring peace and order in the society.

Anti-drug operations

Marcos also told the PNP chief to continue drug operations against drug lords and drug leaders.

''Sa tulong ng PDEA, ipagpatuloy ninyo ang paglaban sa illegal na droga. Magsagawa pa rin tayo ng drug seizures at tiyakin na sasampahan ng kaso ang mga drug dealer at ang mga drug lord. Patuloy din kayong magmatyag sa ating mga komunidad para kahit ang small time na mga drug dealers ay wala ring ligtas,'' Marcos said.

(With the help of PDEA, continue the fight against illegal drugs. Let us continue to make drug seizures and make sure that drug dealer and drug lords face charges. You should also continue to be vigilant in our communities so that even small time drug dealers won't be able to escape.) 

Further, the President reminded police officers to not use their privilege for their own welfare and benefits.

''Iwasan ninyo ang paggamit ng pribilehiyo para sa pansariling benepisyo. Maging instrumento kayo [ng] katuwiran, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran,'' said Marcos.

(Avoid using your privilege for your personal benefit. Be instruments of righteousness, peace and development.)

“Let your badge be your daily pledge not to command but serve with integrity,” Marcos said.

Torre as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his transport to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on March 11 to face charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s war on drugs.

He was the CIDG chief from September 25, 2024 until his installation as PNP chief.

As Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) chief, Torre led the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy on September 8, 2024 in Davao City over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.

Torre is the first graduate of Philippine National Police Academy to become PNP chief.—AOL, GMA Integrated News