Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has vowed to institutionalize a three-minute police response time in Metro Manila and other urban areas, aligning with President Marcos’ directive to enhance police visibility and swift public service.
“In compliance with the directive of the President for swift and responsive public service, we will institutionalize a three-minute emergency response time in major urban centers,” said Torre in his speech during the turnover of command at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday, June 2.
Torre emphasized that this rapid response strategy is not just a benchmark but a critical lifeline for communities in need.
“Every call for help deserves immediate attention and action. We will be present,” he added.
Having successfully implemented it in Quezon City when he was in the district, Torre assured that the nationwide rollout is doable, with necessary infrastructure already in place.
“What is needed at this point is leadership intervention so I’m going to really make sure that our mid-level supervisors will know their roles,” said Torre.
Torre explained that the concept behind the three-minute emergency police response is a fast response to call for cops’ assistance 24 hours a day, and citing the prevailing situation, he said only city centers are areas where people are active the whole day.
“The culture in the city centers are different from rural areas because in rural areas, people already start to sleep at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. The police response is different in these areas,” said Torre.
The three-minute emergency police response is one of the three pillars that Torre wants the strategic policing to anchor on.
In order to support the three-minute emergency police response, he said he will make sure that there is unity and that the morale of all policemen is high.
“A divided force cannot defend a nation. Thus, we will strengthen our core from within, guided by discipline, mutual respect and leadership by example,” said Torre. (Aaron Recuenco)
