“And I believe the PNP is now on the right track” – PBBM
For more than a century, the Nation’s Peacekeepers have stood firm in protecting lives, safeguarding communities, and upholding the rule of law. From its roots as the first Insular Police Force in 1901, now known as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the men and women of the police force have braved dangers and continued to adapt to evolving threats while fulfilling their sacred vow to “serve and protect” the Filipino people. This enduring mission was at the heart of the 124th Police Service Anniversary celebration held on August 12, 2025, at the PNP Grandstand in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. The event was graced by no less than President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, and was joined by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla.
Prior to the main program, Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, PNP Chief, personally led a live demonstration of the PNP’s “5-minute response time” policy at the PNP Command Center, witnessed by the President and other distinguished guests. The demonstration showcased the revitalized PNP Emergency 911 Program’s capability to respond swiftly to emergencies, underscoring the organization’s operational efficiency and commitment to saving lives when every second counts.
With the theme “Pulisya, Bantayog ng Bayang Matatag,” this year’s commemoration paid tribute to the bravery, dedication, and service of all PNP members across the country.
In his welcome remarks, PGen Torre began by expressing his deep gratitude to the President for gracing the historic occasion. He emphasized that the anniversary was not simply a commemoration of past achievements but also a reaffirmation of PNP’s commitment in building a safer future for all Filipinos. Reflecting on the institution’s humble beginnings, he highlighted how it has stood alongside the Filipino people through victories, and challenges. He affirmed that today’s PNP remains united by a shared mission to protect and safeguard peace, uphold order, and deliver justice—transforming challenges into opportunities through resilience and innovation.
The PNP Top Cop also reported significant achievements over the past year, beginning with the 7.75% drop in crime incidents, wherein a total of 177,735 incidents were recorded from August 2024 to June 2025, compared to 192,677 during the same period in the previous year. This decline reflects the effectiveness of intensified anti-criminality operations and increased police presence nationwide.
PNP’s anti-illegal drugs campaign remained relentless, with over 153,609 operations conducted from July 1, 2022, to August 10, 2025, resulting in the arrest of more than 190,568 individuals and the confiscation of illegal drugs valued at approximately Php54.6 Billion. These accomplishments represent a 258% increase compared to the same period from 2016 to 2021, a testament to PNP’s bloodless campaign that decisively targets both high-value and street-level offenders.
As crime evolved into the digital space, PNP enhanced its capabilities to combat cybercrime and organized crime. Through Special Task Force Skimmer and in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, PNP dismantled several human trafficking rings, arrested foreign nationals involved in sophisticated scams, and exposed international crime syndicates, as seen in the investigation of incidents involving Chinese nationals.
These operational successes were complemented by the PNP’s modernization drive, which included acquiring state-of-the-art investigative tools such as a 3D laser scanner from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, improving the accuracy of crime scene reconstructions and strengthening its investigative capacity.
Community engagement also remains at the core of the PNP’s mission. The Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) Program, institutionalized in January 2024, now operates in 1,355 Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) nationwide through 700 dedicated teams. Partnerships, such as the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Irrigation Administration, further strengthened the PNP’s ability to connect and serve the underserved communities.
Since his assumption as PNP Chief on June 2, 2025, PGen Torre has declared one clear vision in compliance with the President’s directive: police officers’ response must be swift, their presence must be felt, and their service must be unwavering. Central to this vision is the revitalized Emergency 911 program. From August 8, 2024, to June 15, 2025, PNP has received over 17.5 Million calls, of which more than 10.5 Million or 60.34% were successfully handled and processed.
Under his 5-minute response policy, from June 2 to August 10, 2025, nearly 94% of the 3,574 calls to 911 requiring police assistance were responded within five minutes, delivering on the promise that every second truly counts. Public trust, as he also emphasized, is the lifeblood of the institution, and the latest OCTA Research survey showed that 71% of adult Filipinos trust PNP, while 73% are satisfied with its performance—clear indicators that its service is both felt and valued by the people.
Meanwhile, this year’s celebration would not be complete without giving due recognition to outstanding police officers, various PNP units and offices, local government units, and stakeholders for exemplary performance and significant contributions to public safety. Among the recipients were PCol John Lemwell P. Villafranca (SAF), Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration; PCol Enrico E. Figueroa (PRO 7), Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations; PMaj Florante M. Sugian II (PRO 4B), Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration; and PMaj Renante N. Arambuyong (PRO 5), Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations. Also awarded were PMSg Adelito B. Alinton (PRO 12), Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration; PEMS Alexander M. Maigue (IG), Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operations; PMSg Mary Grace N. Gaurana (PRO 12), Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration; and PCpl Brenz John C. Grageda (PRO 5), Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operations. NUP Jasmin S. Ponce from ITMS was also recognized as the Best Non-Uniformed Personnel in the Supervisory Level category, together with NUP Carol Q. Valondo from PRO 1, who received the award for Best Non-Uniformed Personnel in the Non-Supervisory Level category.
Thirteen unit awardees were also recognized, including the Police Regional Office–Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR), which received the Best Police Regional Office; Cagayan Police Provincial Office (PRO 2) as Best Provincial Police Office; Iloilo City Police Office (PRO 6) as Best City Police Office; Eastern Police District (NCRPO) as Best NCRPO District; Tuguegarao City Police Office (PRO 2) as Best Component City Police Office; Taytay Municipal Police Station (PRO 4A) as Best Municipal Police Station; the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4A (PRO 4A) as Best Regional Mobile Force Battalion; 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company (PRO 2) as Best Provincial Mobile Force Company; and Santiago City Mobile Force Company (PRO 2) as Best City Mobile Force Company. The Finance Service received the award for Best National Administrative Support Unit (NASU), while the Anti-Cybercrime Group was named Best National Operational Support Unit (NOSU). The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) was also recognized as Best Special Unit, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) received a special citation.
Five outstanding local government units were honored for their active support to PNP. These included the Provincial Government of South Cotabato (Region 12) as Best LGU in the Provincial Level category; the City Government of Iloilo (Region 6) as Best LGU in the Highly Urbanized/Independent City Level; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (Region 2) as Best LGU in the Component City Level; the Municipal Government of Lantapan, Bukidnon (Region 10) as Best LGU in the Municipal Level; and Barangay Semirara in Caluya, Antique (Region 6), which was named Best LGU in the Barangay Level category.
Special awards were also presented to non-governmental organizations and stakeholders, including Zello Incorporated and Bless Our Cops, for their valuable contributions to law enforcement initiatives.
President Marcos lauded the recent improvement in the country’s peace and security landscape, noting that from June 2024 to June 2025, crime incidents have decreased compared to the previous year. However, he emphasized that numbers alone cannot erase the fears of the citizens, acknowledging that real public confidence goes beyond statistical data, stating: “We do not ask people to celebrate statistics if their experiences tell a different story. That’s why we must regain the trust of the public through more decisive and responsive actions. And I believe PNP is now on the right track.”
He also expressed full government support for law enforcers who faithfully carry out their duties and risk their lives in the line of service. “Be assured that the government stands with you, behind you every hour of every day, as you continue to carry out your mission and build a safer and more peaceful Bagong Pilipinas,” he affirmed.
As PNP marks another year of service, President Marcos reminded the police force that their true measure of effectiveness lies in how safe and empowered the public feels under their watch, as well as in the trust that the people place in the badge they wear.
Under the leadership of Police General Torre, the police force marked its 124th year with the question before them not only of what they have accomplished, but also of what more they can do in service to the Filipino people in the years to come, with a strong determination to bring positive transformation toward a Bagong Pilipinas.
