President Marcos has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify internal reforms, respond swiftly to security threats, and ensure police visibility in the streets as he installed Police General Nicolas Torre III as the new chief of the 230,000-strong force.
Marcos to PNP: Clean up ranks, boost street presence
Published Jun 2, 2025 09:30 am
At A Glance
- The President said a visible police presence in communities—especially in crime-prone areas—is essential to building public confidence, even as national crime statistics have improved.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (RTVM Screenshot)
During the change of command ceremony at Camp Crame, Quezon City, the President issued a clear directive to the new PNP leadership to cleanse the ranks, expedite investigations into police abuse, and increase police presence on the streets to ensure public safety and restore trust.
He likewise urged them to build a society where citizens are disciplined and obey the laws, and every police officer is a role model worthy of trust and respect.
"Panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng ating mga kapulisan. Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang maibigay natin ang hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon (Keep the police force clean and honorable. Expedite investigations into cases against officers who violate the law to deliver justice quickly)," Marcos said Monday, June 2.
"Let your badge be your daily pledge—not to command—but to serve with integrity," he added.
The President said a visible police presence in communities—especially in crime-prone areas—is essential to building public confidence, even as national crime statistics have improved.
"Iparamdam natin sa mga Pilipino na may pulis na handang dumamay at magtanggol sa kanila sa lahat ng oras (Let’s make Filipinos feel that police are ready to help and protect them at all times)," he said.
President Marcos also instructed Torre to sustain the government’s anti-illegal drug operations, warning that both high-level drug lords and street-level dealers must be pursued aggressively.
"Magsagawa pa rin tayo ng drug seizures at tiyakin na sasampahan ng kaso ang mga drug dealer at ang mga drug lord (Let’s continue drug seizures and ensure that both drug lords and dealers are charged)," he said.
"Kahit ang small-time na mga drug dealers ay wala ring ligtas (Even small-time dealers should not be spared),” he added.
The President said police must coordinate closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and maintain surveillance over vulnerable communities.
Torre succeeded Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.
According to Marcos, Torre assumed the post at a time of "evolving challenges" such as transnational crimes, cyber threats, and even misconduct within police ranks.
"Your assumption of command comes at a time that calls for clarity, for courage, and for conviction,” Marcos told the new PNP chief.
"Your leadership will help define what kind of police force we continue to build: one that acts with precision, responds with compassion, and stands as a pillar of accountability," he added.
Meanwhile, President Marcos expressed gratitude to outgoing PNP chief Marbil for his “capable and people-centered” leadership, citing his role during the 2025 elections and in crisis response.
"You guided our officers to serve with integrity, and in doing so, you restored the people’s confidence in the uniform that the police wear," the President said.
"Naging sandigan ng pamahalaan ang kapulisan sa paghahatid ng tulong, pagbibigay ng proteksyon, at pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao (The police became a pillar of government in delivering aid, ensuring safety, and upholding human rights)." he added.