Torre vows fair, swift, trustworthy PNP under his leadership

Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III on Monday said that the police organization will be fair, swift, and trustworthy under his leadership.

“Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, ang batas ay patas, ang serbisyo ay mabilis, at ang kapulisyahan ay karapat-dapat ng inyong tiwala,” Torre said in his inaugural speech during the change of command ceremony at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

(Under my leadership, the law is fair, the service is fast, and the police are worthy of your trust.)

“Hindi niyo na kailangan pang pumunta sa kung saan-saan, at hinding-hindi namin kayo pagpapasa-pasahan, at ang PNP na lamang ang inyong maging sumbungan ng inyong mga hinaing, lalong-lalo na ng paglabag ng inyong karapatang pantao,” he added.

(You don’t need to go anywhere, and we will never pass you on to others, and you can count on the PNP to be the place where you can bring your grievances, especially for the violation of your human rights.)

Torre said he will lead the police force with three core pillars: swift and responsive public service; unity and morale within the ranks; as well as accountability and modernization.

“We will institutionalize a three-minute emergency response time in major urban centers,” he said.

“This is not just a benchmark, it is a lifeline. Every call for help deserves immediate attention and action. We will be present,” he added.

Torre said that he will strengthen the PNP’s core from within through discipline, mutual respect, and leadership by example as “a divided force cannot defend a nation.”

“To our men and women in uniform, we expect the best from you in protecting others. With this expectation, we will also give you the best—best training, best leadership, best support, and the best opportunity to grow in this institution,” Torre said.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday called on Torre 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 whose extended term is set to expire on June 7.

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.)

PNP modernization

The new PNP chief said that he will modernize the PNP’s systems, enhance its investigative tools, and adopt innovative technologies.

Torre noted that promotions and rewards will be based on accomplishments and not endorsements under his leadership.

“Real talk lamang (only]. No need for endorsements under my leadership. Appointments will be based solely on merit, and only the most competent will be entrusted with the right positions in the right places,” he said.

Torre also vowed to ensure the safety of foreigners in the country.

“To our foreign guests and residents, we are happy that you have chosen the Philippines to be your second home. 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,” he added.

Torre is the 31st chief of the PNP and is also the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to lead the police organization.

As the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief from September 25, 2024 until his installation as PNP chief, he 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.

As Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) chief from June 18, 2024 to September 24, 2024, he also 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. —KG, GMA Integrated News