PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the Philippine National Police (PNP) change of command ceremony for outgoing General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil (left) and his successor Nicolas D. Torre III (right) in Quezon City on Monday. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., challenged the newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief to uphold discipline and accountability across the 232,000-strong force as the new top cop assumes command amid security threats and persistent concerns over police misconduct.

In a speech at the PNP change of command ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday, Mr. Marcos ordered newly appointed PNP Chief Nicolas D. Torre III to uphold the agency’s integrity by fast-tracking investigations into police officers accused of breaking the law.

“Keep our police ranks clean and honorable,” he said in Filipino. “Speed up the investigation of cases against officers who violated the law so that we can deliver justice as soon as possible.”
Mr. Torre succeeds Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, who stepped down for his retirement.

The chief executive also urged Mr. Torre, who led the Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) prior to his new post, to continue the fight against illegal drugs.

“As enforcers of the law, the entire police force is expected to act with integrity, serve with honesty, and be a pillar of support for our fellow citizens,” he added in Filipino. “Avoid using your privileges for personal gain. Be instruments of justice, peace, and progress.”

Mr. Marcos also emphasized the need to increase police visibility in crime-prone areas and ensure rapid response capabilities at the community level amid continued public scrutiny of the PNP’s ability to police its own members and deliver timely justice in cases involving misconduct. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

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