Over the years, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has upheld its mandate as an independent constitutional body, primarily tasked with safeguarding the human rights of all individuals within the country, as well as those of Filipinos abroad. The commission has been serving as the “conscience” of the Philippine government as it investigates all forms of human rights violations committed by the state against its citizens, including civil and political rights. With its commitment for checks and balances, CHR continues to be vocal in its criticisms of possible lapses and abuses carried out under the government’s law enforcement activities and programs, specifically those involving the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies in the country.
On June 9, 2025, a historic partnership took place at the CHR Headquarters in Quezon City, as Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, PNP Chief, “the officer of many firsts,” visited CHR as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during its flag-raising ceremony. This marked a significant collaboration between the two agencies, which had previously been at odds. He was warmly welcomed by the CHR Chairperson, Richard Paat Palpal-latoc. PGen Torre is the very first PNP Chief to formally set foot in the Commission’s headquarters, oozing with sincerity and openness to meaningful dialogues, particularly in upholding human rights and lawful policing.
During the said visit, the PNP Top Cop reiterated that under his leadership, PNP shall remain open to dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation with CHR. He further emphasized that PNP now seeks to advance a policing culture that is both effective and respectful of human dignity—aligned with the ideals of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s Bagong Pilipinas.
In his remarks, PGen Torre underscored the mission of PNP: to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety with the active support of the community. He noted that these responsibilities must be carried out in strict adherence to legal procedures and with utmost respect for human rights.
The PNP Chief also recognized CHR as a critical institutional partner in ensuring that every police operation aligns with constitutional guarantees and democratic values, stating: “Ang CHR ay mahalagang katuwang ng PNP — bilang bahagi ng checks and balances, sa paghubog ng polisiya, at sa pagsusuri ng mga proseso na ginagamit namin sa pagpapatupad ng batas.”
Likewise, he welcomed the CHR’s guidance to further strengthen PNP’s policies and systems that safeguard both public safety and individual rights. PGen Torre also highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration between the police and human rights institutions, especially in improving accountability mechanisms and promoting a culture of rights-based policing.
“[The] CHR is our boss on the protection of human rights,” PGen Torre said. “I do recognize, at ako’y nagpapasalamat sa CHR for keeping us always on check and being a partner of the Philippine National Police in ensuring that everything we do is within the ambit of the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, CHR Commissioner Atty. Beda Epres considered PGen Torre’s visit as “a meaningful milestone” and “speaks volume of PNP’s sincerity and openness to dialogue.”
“Today marks a meaningful milestone in itself. Our guest of honor is the first PNP chief to have visited the Commission on Human Rights—an act that speaks volumes of his sincerity and openness to dialogue. This visit is more than ceremonial; it signals a commitment to fostering a more collaborative, more compassionate approach to law enforcement,” Atty. Beda Epres said.
“Ito ay patunay na posibleng magkasama sa iisang layunin at hindi hiwalay ang adhikain sa pagsulong sa karapatang pantao, kapayapaan at seguridad,” he added.
On top of that, PGen Torre announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PNP and CHR is currently in the process, in which, CHR also welcomed, citing that such move will enhance relations between the two agencies, and further integrate human rights principles into police duties.
PGen Torre concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together in building a safer and just nation, stating: “[The] PNP remains committed to law enforcement anchored on accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”
