Torre clarifies ‘paramihan ng huli’ remark

NEWLY appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III vowed that the police force’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs, with a renewed focus on arresting drug offenders, will be carried out with strict adherence to legal standards and due process.

In a statement, Torre clarified that his directive for police officers to make more arrests as part of the anti-drug campaign is not a race for numbers, but a call for greater diligence, efficiency, and adherence to the law in police work.

“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 action. Everything we do is within the ambit of the law,” said Torre.

“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 — arrest the criminal, follow due process, and let the courts decide,” he added.

The top cop further said that arresting officers are bound by strict guidelines requiring either valid warrants or lawful grounds for warrantless arrests.

He said police personnel are continuously being trained and reminded to conduct operations with utmost professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to standard procedures, including non-lethal tactics and the humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty.

Following his assumption of office Monday, June 2, Torre said that the number of illegal drug-related arrests will serve as a new performance metric for the organization.

“Paramihan ng huli,” Torre said on Monday.

Concerns

In a statement, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledged the policy’s intent to reduce crime rates and improve public safety in the country but expressed concerns that Torre’s order could lead to abuse.

The CHR reminded authorities that highlighting the number of arrests as a performance metric may unintentionally pressure officers to prioritize quantity over quality.

“Historically, such frameworks have risked incentivizing shortcuts, abusive, or arbitrary practices, which undermine human rights and erode public trust in law enforcement,” the CHR said.

“The CHR maintains that effective policing is best measured not by the volume of arrests, but by the quality of investigations, respect for due process, and the consistent upholding of legal and ethical standards,” it added.

Torre welcomed the CHR’s reminder as he assured them, as well as the public, 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,” Torre said.

“As the PNP continues to intensify its efforts to rid communities of drug-related criminality, it remains equally steadfast in defending the dignity and freedoms of every citizen—because justice and accountability must always go hand in hand,” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)