The measure of a commander has long rested on two fundamental pillars: the accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of the men. These interdependent principles define the strength of any organization, particularly in the field of public safety. Yet, in the nuanced terrain of modern governance, where political considerations often complicate leadership mandates, true effectiveness is harder to find.

On July 20, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Lakas Bayanihan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, of which I serve as chairman, paid a courtesy visit to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Nicolas Torre III. In that brief yet meaningful exchange, I was impressed by his clarity of vision, measured authority, and keen understanding of leadership in complex environments.

As chairman of the Advisory Board of the Philippine National Police Academy and senior fellow at the Philippine Public Safety College, I have been privileged to observe and interact with various law enforcement leaders. PGen. Torre stands out for his progressive, mission-driven, and deeply human approach to command.

PGen. Torre's leadership is marked by an unwavering commitment to operational excellence. His initiatives reflect a deep understanding that effective policing starts with readiness, innovation, and discipline.

• Innovative crime prevention: A prime example is the five-minute emergency response system for 911 calls, underscoring the drive to instill urgency, discipline, and rapid mobilization across all units. He demonstrated right in his office the efficacy of 911 by calling a police unit in Pasig City as well as in Mindanao — with no dry run nor rehearsal — and it was an astounding success. It’s a powerful reminder that public trust is built not only through visibility but also through verifiable efficiency.

• Culture of physical fitness: By leading a health-focused movement within the PNP ranks, PGen. Torre strengthens both morale and performance. His message is clear: a fit force is a capable force — alert, resilient, and prepared.

What sets PGen. Torre apart is his holistic view of police welfare — not merely in terms of benefits and entitlements, but in securing the long-term dignity and stability of the men and women in uniform.

• Championing financial literacy: In our dialogue, he strongly advocated for the integration of financial education in the police institution. His rationale is simple but profound: economic stability breeds focus, ethics, and peace of mind. He encouraged a deepened partnership with the Lakas Bayanihan Multi-Purpose Cooperative to equip every officer with practical tools in budgeting, debt management, and financial planning.

Lakas Bayanihan Multi-Purpose Cooperative is a brainchild of Generals Jaime de los Santos and Rodolfo Azurin Jr. during their term as chairman and president of PMAAAI respectively in 2019, who invited PNPAAAI to take part. Selected classes responded positively, and other individual members of the uniformed services soon followed suit. Its mission is to support the financial needs of uniformed services personnel as an alternative to other existing financial institutions. The cooperative’s authorized capital, as approved by the Cooperative Development Authority, is ₱340 million, with a current capitalization of ₱135 million and a loan portfolio of ₱180 million.

• Vision for empowerment: The objective is not just to relieve financial stress, but to build a police force confident in its future. Such empowerment promotes not only personal growth but also shields officers from vulnerabilities that can compromise integrity.

The partnership between the PNP leadership and the Lakas Bayanihan Cooperative is a testament to shared responsibility. PGen. Torre’s commitment to professionalism transcends rhetoric — it is evident in his inclusive approach, openness to collaboration, and resolve to address issues with transparency and lawfulness.

• On the controversial arrest of PRRD: The issue has sparked speculation and tension, but under PGen. Torre’s watch, the PNP has shown a measured response anchored on due process. His handling of the situation reinforces the core tenet that the law must prevail above personalities. By following legal protocols rather than political winds, he strengthens the institution’s impartiality and reaffirms the PNP’s role as a law enforcement body, not a political instrument.

• On the boxing challenge by Mayor Baste: While seemingly lighthearted, PGen. Torre’s engagement was neither ego-driven nor inflammatory. His response demonstrated sportsmanship, humility, and a grounded understanding of public relations. It showed the nation that leadership can be both strong and composed — firm in stance but not easily provoked.

With his unique blend of discipline, innovation, and empathy, PGen. Nicolas Torre III enters office at a time when the public’s faith in institutions is both tested and longed for. He leads not only the 228,000-strong force of the PNP but also the hope for a reformed, citizen-centered policing culture.

Under his command, the Filipino people expect several things:

• A PNP that is visible, reliable, and responsive in times of crisis.

• A leadership that upholds the rule of law, regardless of rank, region, or reputation.

• A force that listens to its people — fostering mutual respect between the community and those who are sworn to protect them.

• A culture of professionalism that transcends politics and is anchored on service, ethics, and nationhood.

In a time of uncertainty and transition, the citizenry looks to the PNP for steadiness and reform. Under PGen. Torre’s stewardship, there is a cautious but growing optimism — that with discipline, vision, and integrity at the helm, the Philippine National Police can become the dependable shield of a nation striving toward peace, justice, and inclusive progress.