President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III, to make the PNP a source of hope and reassurance by restoring integrity, strengthening community presence, and intensifying the fight against crime and illegal drugs.
During the change of command ceremony at Camp Crame, Marcos Jr. ordered Torre to clean up the police ranks and prioritize public welfare in all enforcement efforts.
“Let your badge be your daily pledge, not to command, but to serve with integrity. Let every decision uphold the law and let every gesture reflect the quiet dignity of true public service,” the President said during the formal change of command ceremony in Camp Crame on Monday, June 2.
“May the PNP become a source of hope and reassurance to every community you protect,” he added.
He stressed the need to build stronger ties with communities, work closely with local governments and stakeholders, and focus all initiatives on the rights and welfare of Filipinos.
Marcos Jr. also directed Torre to expedite investigations of erring police officers and ensure swift justice.
“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,” he told the new PNP chief.
The Chief Exexcutive also reminded police not to abuse their authority.
“Iwasan ninyo ang paggamit ng pribilehiyo para sa pansariling benepisyo. Maging instrumento kayo ng katuwiran, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran,” said Marcos Jr.
He called for increased police visibility, especially in high-crime areas, to ensure public safety and prompt response..“Siguruhing mas maraming pulis na umiikot sa mga kalsada at nagbabantay sa mga komunidad, lalo na sa lugar na madalas ang krimen at kaguluhan. Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis na agad nagre-responde,” according to him.
“Iparamdam natin sa mga Pilipino na may pulis na handang dumamay at magtanggol sa kanila sa lahat ng oras. Hindi dapat natatakot ang estudyante, manggagawa, motorista, o magulang na maglakad sa kalsada—umaga man o gabi.”
On the anti-drug campaign, Marcos Jr. ordered continued coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. He called for more drug seizures and the filing of charges against dealers.IMT
