PNP Chief's Directive to Increase Arrests Sparks Debate in the Philippines

Quezon City, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III, recently announced a new directive aimed at increasing the number of arrests in an effort to curb rising crime rates. This initiative has raised concerns within the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), prompting Torre to offer clarification. In a press briefing, Torre stated, "Priority is to remove criminals from the streets." He emphasized that the goal is not simply to increase arrest numbers but to improve police response times and overall effectiveness. A News5 reporter, Kari Cator, provided on-the-ground coverage in Quezon City, noting the implementation of a 5-minute response time policy. Cator reported that while the initial response time in some instances exceeded the 5-minute goal, the PNP is actively working to improve efficiency. The PNP's commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in their willingness to address public concerns surrounding the new directive. The initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing public safety and improving police performance.