PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III has ordered the relief of eight police chiefs in Metro Manila due to their failure to implement the five-minute emergency response time policy.
In an interview with reporters, Torre said those relieved from their posts were the chiefs of police of Caloocan, Navotas, Valenzuela, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan, and Makati.
“That is our commitment to the President and to the Filipino people. So if they can’t cope up with it, if they can’t step up to that standard, we will look for commanders who will do so,” Torre said.
“May walo kami ngayon na na-relieve and there will be more because I was there in Central Visayas yesterday in Iloilo and may mga na-caution akong mga provincial director doon. We will declare those positions open so that mabigyan naman ng pagkakataon ang mga ibang interisado at qualified at sa tingin natin ay kayang gawin yung ating pamantayan,” he added.
(We have eight who have been relieved so far, and there will be more because I was in Central Visayas yesterday, in Iloilo, and I gave warnings to some provincial directors there. We will declare those positions open to give a chance to others who are interested and qualified, and who we believe can meet our standards.)
Torre raised the importance of skillful use of two-way radios by commanders, as well as clear command issuance, in effectively responding to emergency situations.
“I want them to actually command not only figuratively but literally. They can issue the command over the radio or in a communication na gusto nila. Kung kaya ba naman nilang cellphone ang gamitin sa five-minute response, e, okay lang. But I assure you, if they use the cellphone, it won’t work,” the top cop said.
Torre first implemented the five-minute emergency response time policy during his tenure as director of the Quezon City Police District, in support of the enforcement and utilization of the 911 hotline.
The 5-Minute Response Time Strategy marks a significant shift from traditional precinct-based policing, transforming police presence into a more mobile, proactive, and people-centered approach. It aims to ensure that calls for assistance are answered promptly, professionally, and at any time of day. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)