President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III was chosen for his ability to make communities “safe,” thus restoring public trust.
“In terms of the police, I only have one thing on my mind, we are safe,” President Marcos said in his BBM vlog. “But it’s not enough that people are statistically safe. They must feel safe,” he added.
President Marcos emphasized that while crime statistics may show improvement, public trust is built only when citizens feel secure enough to walk around their neighborhoods at night or send their children to nearby stores without fear.
“I assure you that Gen. Torre is effective at that. And so that’s why we, in the end, chose him for PNP Chief,” he said.
“Very soon after he assumed the position, we rolled out the ‘cops on the beat’ program. People feel their presence immediately,” the president added.
The President said this renewed visibility of patrol officers is central to rebuilding public confidence and curbing the resurgence of low-level drug activity in local communities.
When asked about his marching orders for Torre, Mr. Marcos said the directive is clear: go after the large-scale drug syndicates and stop illegal drugs from entering the country.
“We still have a drug problem,” Marcos acknowledged. “The shabu is still coming in. I told him (Torre): go after the big ones and close the entry points,” he added.
The President also emphasized coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the PNP in intercepting drug shipments, ensuring that seized narcotics are destroyed properly and transparently.
“Make sure you’re there when they say it’s so many tons, count it properly, pour gasoline, and burn it,” President Marcos said.
He acknowledged reports that while major drug operations are being dismantled, small-time dealers are returning to barangays. He said this is where the beat patrol strategy becomes essential.
“Because they’re always patrolling, no dealer will want to stay knowing police are just around the corner. That’s how we drive them out,” the president said.
President Marcos reiterated that the goal is not just law enforcement but restoring a sense of normalcy and safety at the community level.
