PNP Removes 8 Police Chiefs for Slow 911 Emergency Response

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III has ordered the relief of eight police chiefs in Metro Manila for failing to comply with the national headquarters’ directive to respond to crimes within five minutes in their respective areas of responsibility.

Among those relieved from their posts were the chiefs of police of Makati, Parañaque, San Juan, Marikina, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Caloocan. According to the PNP, the move is part of the ongoing effort to ensure that police commanders on the ground can effectively lead their personnel in responding quickly to incidents, protecting the public, and maintaining peace and order.

The five-minute response policy was earlier introduced as part of a broader strategy to professionalize police operations, enhance visibility, and build public trust in law enforcement agencies. The PNP stressed that this target is not arbitrary but is a concrete commitment to the President and the Filipino people, who expect immediate action during emergencies.

Torre explained that police officers, especially those in leadership positions, are expected to demonstrate genuine command of their personnel—not just in name but in practice. This includes the ability to issue clear, decisive orders, whether through radios, mobile communication, or other available channels, particularly during high-pressure situations that demand urgent response.

The PNP chief further warned that this enforcement of accountability is not limited to Metro Manila alone. He revealed that during a recent visit to Central Visayas, he identified several positions of provincial police directors that will soon be declared vacant due to similar issues of underperformance. Torre made it clear that police leaders across the country are expected to meet the same high standards of leadership and operational readiness.

Despite the leadership shake-up, Torre assured the public that the PNP has a strong pool of capable officers ready to assume command positions. He emphasized that there is no shortage of competent leaders within the organization, and that these new appointments are meant to ensure that police operations continue without disruption.

The relief of the eight police chiefs underscores the PNP’s resolve to reform internal systems and reinforce a culture of accountability within its ranks. Torre added that achieving an efficient response time requires not only equipment and logistics but, more importantly, effective leadership on the ground.

The initiative forms part of the larger vision of the PNP leadership to strengthen discipline, promote operational excellence, and restore public confidence in law enforcement. The agency remains committed to identifying gaps in leadership and addressing them swiftly to meet the growing demands of peace and order nationwide.

With this move, the PNP sends a strong message that it will no longer tolerate complacency in police leadership and that only those who can rise to the challenge will be given the responsibility of commanding units tasked with safeguarding communities.