Order to make more arrests not meant to encourage illegal shortcuts 鈥� Torre
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III clarified that his “paramihan” (more) directive is not intended to encourage police officers to take “illegal shortcuts” in enforcing arrests.
In a press briefing right after assuming his post as head of the police force, Torre said his strategy to counter illegal drugs was to have officers make as many “legal” arrests as possible.
He stressed that the public can use the police’ disciplinary mechanisms to keep them in check.
“We are not encouraging illegal shortcuts, nor are we measuring success solely by the number of arrests. What we are advocating for is genuine, lawful actions,” he explained in a statement on Tuesday.
“Everything we do is within the ambit of the law,” Torre specified.
“If you believe in your case, go to the prosecutor, raise your hand to the judge and present your evidence. That’s the only way to prove you’re a good police officer,” the PNP chief stressed to law enforcers.
“Arrest the criminal, follow due process and let the courts decide,” Torre told the cops.
READ: PNP chief Torre’s anti-drug strategy: Ramp up ‘legal’ arrests
The clarification came after the Commission on Human Rights expressed concern over Torre’s directive, saying it “may unintentionally pressure officers to prioritize quantity over quality.”
READ: PNP’s work must be gauged by quality of probes, not number of arrests – CHR
However, Torre responded, “We welcome the reminder of the CHR and we assure them and the Filipino people that due process remains at the heart of our anti-drug campaign.”
“We are committed to ensuring that no rights are violated in the performance of our sworn duties,” he added./apl
