Guided by Purpose, Driven by Service:
Following his appointment as the 31st Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police General Nicolas D. Torre III has been firm in his guidance on the direction the police force must take to elevate the standards of policing and earn the trust of the Filipino people.
During his first Monday Flag Raising Ceremony as PNP Chief, on June 9, 2025, at Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City, PGen Torre outlined his leadership vision, emphasizing clarity of purpose, accountability, and genuine public service.
He began by expressing his gratitude to the President for the trust and confidence given to him to lead the police force, stating: “Let me first reiterate my gratitude to the President of the Republic of the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for the trust and confidence given to me to lead you all, the Philippine National Police. As I said during my assumption speech at the Change of Command Ceremony, failure is not an option for the Philippine National Police.”
The new PNP Chief called for a clear and unified understanding of the role of police officers. “Our duties are already defined in the PNP Mission,” he stated, quoting: “The PNP shall enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community.”
He emphasized that achieving this mission starts with one simple but powerful action: removing criminals from the streets. “If there are no criminals, there is no crime,” he declared. He stressed that the lawful method of achieving this is through arrest and proper judicial processes.
Highlighting the importance of accountability, PGen Torre introduced a performance matrix for police officers and commanders that focuses on actual results, specifically, how criminals are taken off the streets.
“This will now be the primary performance matrix for our commanders. Commanders are the supervisors of our frontline policemen. How can one be a commander without personally leading or producing results in criminal apprehension? Our officers must lead by example,” he noted.
The PNP Top Cop further explained the PNP’s role within the five pillars of the Criminal Justice System, particularly the law enforcement and judiciary sectors. “We arrest, the prosecution files the charges, and the courts ensure justice is served. That’s how we ensure criminals are held accountable,” he added.
Beyond law enforcement, PGen Torre emphasized the need for “Malasakit” or genuine compassion in serving the public. He instructed all police personnel to assist any individual who walks into a police station or any police unit seeking for help. “Do not just point them to another office. Escort them if needed. Put them in a patrol car and make sure they are properly endorsed,” he said.
He added that while statistics can be helpful, they may mean little to ordinary citizens. What matters more, he said, is that people feel the care and commitment of the police, especially in times of distress, whether they are reporting lost belongings or seeking justice after becoming victims of crime.
PGen Torre concluded his address with a heartfelt call for unity and shared responsibility. He urged the men and women of the PNP organization, from the rank-and-file to the highest levels of leadership, to work together to deliver the quality of service that the Filipino people truly deserve.
With firm guidance and a compassionate heart, Police General Nicolas D. Torre III has signaled the beginning of a new era for the Philippine National Police, one grounded in action, mission-focused, and people-centered.
