The Philippine National Police (PNP) is standing firm on its boots-on-the-ground strategy, asserting that visible police presence remains a key pillar in its mission to keep communities safe—despite claims that the approach is outdated.
During a Palace briefing on Friday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Officer Claire Castro responded to Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark that the PNP’s visibility tactics were already “makaluma” or antiquated.
Quoting PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III, Castro said the importance of uniformed police physically patrolling the streets can’t be overstated—especially in high-traffic areas where visibility alone can help deter crime and build public trust.
“The Vice President is welcome to visit us. We’d be happy to show her first-hand how crucial police deployment is in maintaining order and enabling rapid response,” Castro said.
Far from ignoring technology, the PNP has actually been ramping up its integration of modern tools like CCTV surveillance systems and drones to support its street-level operations. These advancements, Castro explained, enhance the PNP’s ability to act swiftly and precisely during emergencies.
Since his appointment on June 2, P/Gen. Torre has taken bold steps to realign the PNP’s approach to public safety. Following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Torre dissolved traditional police boxes and local precincts and instead redeployed officers to active patrol duty across urban centers.
This restructured system is already showing results. In Metro Manila, the PNP can now respond to emergency 911 calls in as fast as five minutes, thanks to an optimized quick response mechanism that combines manpower with surveillance tech.
“Modernization isn’t just about technology—it’s about improving service. The real-time combination of police visibility and digital tools is what keeps communities safe,” Castro added.
As debates continue on the best ways to modernize law enforcement, the PNP remains committed to striking a balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that every Filipino feels secure—whether on a crowded street or behind a screen.
