By Brian Campued
“Walang lugar ang katiwalian sa ating kapulisan.”
This was President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s strong remarks during the 124th Police Service Anniversary Celebration in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Tuesday, as he vowed to hold accountable the cops who undermine the integrity of the police force and abuse their authority.
In a speech at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Grandstand, the President said he does not “condone wrongdoing among those who sworn to uphold the law and to protect” the people.
“Huwag din nating kalimutan na bahagi ng banta sa seguridad ang mga nasa hanay na bumabaluktot mismo ng ating layunin. Aanhin pa ang pinaka-modernong kagamitan kung may iilang pulis pa rin ang umaabuso sa kapangyarihan?” he said.
Despite the strict pronouncements, Marcos lauded the efforts of the PNP to improve its response and operational capabilities, including the acquisition of advanced technologies to enhance operational readiness as well as the 5-minute response time strategy.
According to PNP Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III, crime incidents from August 2024 to June 2025 dropped by 7.75%, with 177,735 recorded during the said period compared to the 192,677 in the previous year.
This decline in crime incidents, Torre said, reflects the “effectiveness of our intensified anti-criminality operations, especially our increased police presence” nationwide.
The PNP, in support of the President’s bloodless war on drugs, also conducted a total of 153,609 anti-illegal drug operations from July 1, 2022, to Aug. 10, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 190,568 persons and the confiscation of P54.6-billion worth of illegal drugs.
“These achievements underscore our commitment to eradicating the scourge of drugs that threaten the future of our youth,” the PNP top cop said.
Reiterating his directive of a faster response to emergencies, Torre disclosed that almost 94% of the total 3,574 calls received through the Emergency 911 Hotline that required police assistance were successfully responded to.
However, Marcos stressed that statistics alone cannot allay the public’s fears.
“And that is why we must regain the trust of the public through more decisive and responsive actions. And I believe the PNP is now on its right track,” the Chief Executive said as he reaffirmed support for the modernization of the PNP to adapt to the new and emerging schemes of criminals.
“Be assured that the government stands with you, behind you all—every hour of every day—as you continue to carry out your mission and build a safer and more peaceful Bagong Pilipinas.”
The President also congratulated uniformed and non-uniformed personnel who received the “Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Gawa” and other awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions and service to the police force.
Before the ceremony, Marcos visited the PNP Command Center, where Torre led the demonstration of the five-minute police response time system.
-jpv
