Slow responders: 8 NCR police chiefs relieved

MANILA, Philippines —  Eight Metro Manila police chiefs have been relieved on orders of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III for failing to follow his order on a five-minute response time to peace and order problems.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed to The STAR the dismissal of the eight chiefs Saturday upon the “instruction from the PNP chief.”

“I gave them standards, and I know if they are compliant or not because that will show in their performance,” Torre told reporters in Filipino after the flag-raising ceremony yesterday in Quezon City, where he was a guest of honor.

“If they can’t step up to that standard, we will look for commanders who will do so,” he said. “That is our commitment to the President and to the Filipino people.”

The relieved officers were Col. Paul Jady Doles of Caloocan, Col. Jean dela Torre of Makati, Col. Mary Grace Madayag of Mandaluyong, Col. Erwin Dayag of Marikina, Col. Mario Cortes of Navotas, Col. Melvin Montante of Parañaque, Col. Deodennis Joy Marmol of San Juan and Col. Nixon Cayaban of Valenzuela.

On Saturday, Col. Reycon Garduque took over Dela Torre in Makati, while Col. Orlando Mirando Jr. replaced Montante in Parañaque.

Col. Jenny Tecson of Mandaluyong, Col. Geoffrey Fernandez of Marikina and Col. Joseph Talento of San Juan took over from the relieved officers last Sunday.

The Northern Police District also conducted its turnover ceremony on Sunday with Col. Joey Goforth taking over the helm in Caloocan, Col. Renante Pinuela in Navotas and Col. Relly Arnedo in Valenzuela.

While Torre promised a three-minute response time for every 911 call received, which he first introduced when he was Quezon City police chief, the PNP is setting a trial period of five minutes in pilot areas.

The newly minted PNP chief said a quicker emergency response would not be possible if police chiefs do not actually take command.

“I want them to actually command, not only figuratively but literally,” he said. “They can issue the command over the radio or in a communication that they want.”

He said he will not hesitate to carry out more dismissals if necessary, depending on the results of his simulation exercises or SIMEX, as there are many officers qualified to enforce his policy.

The PNP chief said similar drills were conducted in Regions 6, 7 and the Negros Island Region.

“We will declare those positions vacant so others who are qualified and interested can step in,” he said.

Torre clarified he did not mean to embarrass the officials when he ordered their relief. “I don’t intend to shame anyone,” he said. “They’ve been removed from their posts, and replacements will be appointed so they can reassess their commitment to our standards.”

Asked if the relieved officers could return to leadership roles, Torre said it remains a possibility but noted that competition is stiff. “There are 100 others equally competent and qualified waiting for a single position,” he said.

Simulation

Torre said SIMEX in Metro Manila will now be held weekly to ensure immediate and full compliance with the presidential directive.

“We cannot afford to delay,” he said. “The President wants the police to respond within five minutes, and we must deliver. It can be done, I’ve proven it, and it’s just a matter of finding the right commanders who will get it done.”

He warned that even regional directors may be replaced if their subordinates consistently fail to meet expectations.

“If I see that the failure of chiefs of police and provincial directors is due to lack of direction and support from their regional directors, then I will remove the regional directors too,” he said.

Immediately after his appointment early this month, Torre issued a warning against arrest quotas and extrajudicial killings, citing the PNP’s commitment to lawful operations and rejection of unlawful practices. His declaration was an indirect swipe at former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration was marked by killings of suspected drug offenders, who were mostly poor.

At a briefing in Malacañang, Torre said the PNP is aligned with President Marcos’ vision of a disciplined, professional and service-oriented police force.

Torre warned police officers that misconduct, planting of evidence and similar violations would not be tolerated.

“There will be no quotas on arrests. Planting of evidence is a grave offense. If anyone does that, I will dismiss them from the service and have them jailed for incriminatory machinations,” Torre said.

“Suspects should be brought in alive. No killings. We do not condone wanton murders or extrajudicial killings. Arrests must be done with respect for life, unless officers are in immediate danger,” he said.

On the use of confidential funds, Torre said he is open to utilizing this to support and incentivize police officers who arrest criminals and as part of efforts to improve law enforcement performance without resorting to illegal methods.

On ensuring that human rights are respected, Torre said the PNP continues to coordinate closely with the Commission on Human Rights.

“I appreciate the input of the Commission on Human Rights. We don’t want arrests done just to inflate numbers,” Torre said.

He reiterated that the aim is to remove criminals from communities, not innocent individuals.

“There’s no sense in arresting someone who is not a criminal. This system is meant to professionalize our ranks and encourage lawful, quality policing,” he said.

Torre, as then chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte last March and of suspected sex trafficker Apollo Quiboloy in September last year.