By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Wednesday said that not only will there be more cops on the streets, but quick response from them when people ask for emergency assistance.
“Dial 911, kami ay darating sa loob ng limang minute (we will arrive in five minutes),” Torre said in a Palace press briefing.
In a separate press briefing at Camp Crame, Torre said he will start the implementation of the five-minute response policy in Metro Manila.
“We are going to the middle ground muna, five minutes sa buong Metro Manila (first, five minutes in Metro Manila),” he told reporters on the sidelines of the LAB (Love and Blessings) Virus Program rollout out at Camp Crame.
Torre said he had already asked for support from some Metro Manila mayors, including San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who is also the chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council-National Capital Region.
He said the emergency response strategy is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make more visible on the streets, more active in its mandate in preventing and solving crimes.
Torre said he has also ordered the deactivation of some police boxes and community precincts.
“Huwag niyo na hanapin ang mga pulis sa presinto sapagkat kami ay sa inyo na mga telepono. Dial 911, darating kami sa loob ng limang minuto. Yan ang aming pangako (Don’t look for the police at the precinct because we are now on your phones. Dial 911, we will be there within five minutes. That is our promise,” he said.
Torre said police boxes and community precincts often lack the proper equipment and resources to handle cases, making it inefficient to keep policemen stationed there.
“So, rather na sila ay magtatambay diyan, isasarado natin. Sila ay maglalakad sa kalsada or sasakay sa kanilang mga mobile at ang pinaka-bottom line, palagi silang may mga radio (So rather than staying there, we will close them. They should walk on the streets or get on board their patrol cars and always have their radio),” he said.
“Huwag na kayong maghanap ng pulis sa presinto, sapagkat ang pulis ay nasa inyo na sa pamamagitan ng telepono (Don’t look for cops in the precincts because cops are now with you through your phones).”
Torre said the implementation of the five-minute response time will be expanded to other areas nationwide.
The new PNP chief also committed to pushing for a three-minute response goal within three months.
This initiative is part of the PNP’s broader strategy to modernize law enforcement and ensure an immediate police presence in critical situations, improving peace and order, and making streets safer for all Filipinos.
Torre said an eight-hour shift for police personnel will be implemented in Metro Manila and urban centers.
“Clarify ko yan ay para sa Metro Manila at saka sa mga urban centers na may 24 hours need ng ating mga pulis (I want to clarify that this is only in Metro Manila and urban centers that have a 24-hour need of our police presence),” he said.
“I leave it also to the commanders on the ground, especially the regional directors and the provincial directors to make an independent assessment of their areas if this is applicable in their areas.” (PNA)
