In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make law enforcers more accessible to the public, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced an emergency response strategy that will address the needs of people more quickly and make streets safer.

During a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Torre stated that the public can contact the police through the 911 emergency hotline, assuring that police units will respond within five minutes.

“Dial 911, kami ay darating sa loob ng limang minuto,” Torre said.

Torre said he is considering the deactivation of police boxes and community precincts since these facilities are no longer functional for investigations.

The PNP Chief explained that these facilities often lack the proper equipment and resources to handle cases, making it inefficient to keep policemen stationed there.

“So, rather na sila ay magtatambay diyan, isasarado natin,” Torre said. “Sila ay maglalakad sa kalsada or sasakay sa kanilang mga mobile at ang pinaka-bottom line, palagi silang may mga radio.”

“Huwag na kayong maghanap ng pulis sa presinto, sapagkat ang pulis ay nasa inyo na sa pamamagitan ng telepono,” he added.

The implementation of the five-minute response time will initially focus on Metro Manila and will be expanded to other areas nationwide, according to Torre.

The new PNP Chief also committed to pushing for a three-minute response goal within three months.

This initiative is part of the PNP’s broader strategy to modernize law enforcement and ensure an immediate police presence in critical situations, improving peace and order, and making streets safer for all Filipinos, as directed by President Marcos. | PND