Quezon city: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III showcased the police force’s 5-minute emergency response system to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 124th Police Service Anniversary Celebration held at Camp Crame.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos was briefed on the Police Response Time system during his visit to the PNP Command Center. Gen. Torre demonstrated how the 40-member PNP 911 Emergency Response Team handles nationwide emergency calls. The demonstration included deploying a police unit to Trece Martires City Hall in Cavite as part of the exercise. Torre emphasized the efficiency of real-time maps, live monitoring systems, and GPS tools in enhancing police response.
Torre highlighted that the public is no longer required to search for on-duty police officers on the streets, as the emergency system is equipped to provide immediate assistance at any time. From August 2024 to June 2025, the PNP successfully handled over 10.5 million out of 17.5 million emergency calls. Between June and August 2025, nearly 94% of 911 calls were addressed within five minutes.
Gen. Torre urged PNP personnel to continue exemplifying public service, aiming for a police force that is both respected and trusted. The 5-minute response policy has led to redeploying precincts to strengthen presence at chokepoints and through patrols. The demonstration also showcased drone operations and the use of 800 body-worn cameras capable of live streaming.
The nationwide crime rate saw a 7.75% decline from August 2024 to June 2025, with 177,735 incidents reported compared to the previous year’s 192,677. Torre attributed this decrease to intensified anti-crime operations and heightened police visibility. Since July 2022, over 153,609 operations led to the arrest of more than 190,568 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at PHP54.6 billion.
Torre noted a 258% increase in arrests compared to the period from 2016 to 2019, attributing the success to a focused and non-violent campaign against drug offenders. The PNP also advanced efforts in cybercrime prevention, dismantled human trafficking rings, arrested foreign scammers, and exposed international crime syndicates.
In response to disinformation, the PNP launched a joint anti-fake news action committee in April 2025. The force is also modernizing its investigative capabilities with tools like the 3D laser scanner to improve crime scene reconstructions.
Over the past year, disciplinary actions were taken against 3,413 personnel. Torre reiterated the importance of community trust and the PNP’s commitment to swift, visible, and unwavering service in alignment with the President’s directive. The anniversary celebration also recognized outstanding personnel and introduced eight new patrol vehicles.
