Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III ordered the entire police force to strictly uphold human rights and due process by arresting criminals, not killing them.

“Uulitin ko, buhay ang tao na huhulihin,” Torre stressed during a Malacañang briefing on Wednesday. “Walang patay, and we will not condone wanton killings or wanton murders.”

Torre said the PNP’s “huli, hindi patay” mandate is to ensure that criminals will be given the right to counsel and afforded due process.

The PNP chief said the police force will work closely with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to address concerns of police abuse while ensuring transparency in their operations.

“We will talk to them (CHR) at gawin natin silang partners na pag mayroong abuso ang pulis. We will very much welcome the investigation to be launched by the CHR,” he said.

The new PNP chief affirmed full cooperation with the CHR, including the sharing of information for their investigation.

Torre said the CHR is open to receiving complaints from those who believe they were arrested without any legal basis. | PND