Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III wasted no time setting the tone for his leadership, directing all police units nationwide to increase arrests in drug-related cases—but with a firm reminder: suspects must remain alive, and their rights must be respected.
“This is now part of our performance metrics—let’s boost those numbers,” Torre declared during a media briefing on Monday, shortly after his official donning of rank and turnover ceremony led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
President Marcos, who presided over the event, echoed the need for an intensified yet humane approach to the country’s anti-drug campaign.
Gen. Torre laid out his game plan, focusing on grassroots collaboration with barangay officials to help identify and apprehend individuals involved in illegal drugs. He emphasized that the community will play a critical role in intelligence gathering, making the war on drugs a shared effort.
But even as he pushes for more arrests, Torre was clear about the rules of engagement.
“Kasama sa metrics natin ang number of arrests—paramihan, sige. Paramihan!” he said, with emphasis. “Tandaan natin: ‘yang mga tao na inaresto mo, hindi mo binaril o pinatay. Buhay ‘yan. Andyan ang human rights.”
He assured police officers that the PNP leadership will stand by them, promising legal support to those who face charges while performing their duties within the law.
Torre also pledged to reward excellence in police work—particularly those who follow due process and help secure convictions through solid evidence.
“Deliver excellence in your police work,” he urged. “File affidavits, execute warrants, bring criminals to justice. Raise your hand before judges and fiscals, present your evidence—and you will be recognized and rewarded.”
Still, Torre’s marching orders came with a caveat: everything must be done lawfully.
“All of these actions must be within the ambit of the law, evidence-based, and rights-respecting,” he stressed.
With a call for integrity, accountability, and results, Gen. Torre’s message to the force was clear—crack down hard, but keep it clean.