From the Website of PNA
links https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1251474
Getting criminals off the streets is top priority - Torre
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Wednesday said his policy to intensify efforts to arrest criminals aims to eliminate threats in the community.
Torre said his challenge is also in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to go beyond improving crime statistics and focus on making people genuinely feel safer.
“Walang quota. Ang measure diyan is iyong (There is no quota. The measure there is) reduction and elimination of the threat in our community, iyong pag-alis ng criminal (removal of criminals),” Torre said in a Palace press briefing.
“Ako ay naniniwala, iisa lang naman ang paraan para mapatahimik natin ang ating mga pamayanan. Isa lang ang paraan para mawala ang criminality diyan, para maging ligtas at maging safe ang ating pamayanan, iisa ang paraan: Alisin ang kriminal sa ating community. Priority, alisin ang kriminal sa kalsada (I believe, there is only one way to make our communities peaceful. There is only one way to eliminate criminality there, to make our communities safe and secure, there is only one way: Remove criminals from our community. Priority, remove criminals from the streets).”
He assured the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that his policy aims to arrest criminals and not kill them.
Torre also warned cops who might attempt to plant evidence on suspects to justify arrests.
“Kapag ginawa nila, idi-dismiss ko sila sa serbisyo, ikukulong ko sila (If they did that, I will dismiss them from service. I will send them to jail) for incriminatory machinations,” he said.
He said all police operations strictly follow legal standards and due process, as provided under the Constitution, Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the PNP Operational Procedures.
In a separate press conference at Camp Crame, Torre said police personnel will continue their training in the conduct of operations with utmost professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to standard procedures, including non-lethal tactics and the humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty.
Torre said during his first command conference on Tuesday, that members of the PNP Command Group, Directorial Staff, and the Directors of National Support Units and Police Regional Offices are very receptive.
“The commanders are very receptive. Hiningi namin ang kanilang mga opinion at kanilang mga challenges kasi marami naman talagang challenges na lalabas diyan (We asked their opinion and their challenges because many challenges will really come out like), training, equipment and the systems pero lahat naman yan ay nareresolve naman natin (all these will be resolved),” Torre said.
“We really don’t need any much more mga pondo. Andiyan na, available na ang pondo ng gobyerno, ibinigay na sa atin ang mga equipment na kailangan (funds. Government funds are available. We have been provided with equipment). It is just a matter of utilization and harmonizing everything so that everything will work like clockwork precision.”
During the command conference, Torre also presented his flagship program anchored on three key pillars: swift and responsive public service, unity and morale within the ranks, and accountability through modernization.
“As we move forward, we will focus on delivering a brand of service that is fast, efficient, and always within reach of our people. We are strengthening our internal cohesion and ensuring that every member of the PNP family feels protected, valued, and heard,” he said.
“And most importantly, we will modernize—not just our tools and systems—but the way we lead and the way we serve.”
Torre emphasized that unity and high morale are essential to maintaining discipline and professionalism within the organization. He urged all commanders to immediately cascade his directives to the grassroots level and ensure their full implementation in every unit. (PNA)
