"Huwag niyo na po kaming hanapin sa mga presinto sapagkat ang mga pulis ay nasa inyo ng mga telepono” - PNP Chief Torre during Tuguegarao visi

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan - Speaking with pride and self-satisfaction during the city’s Pavvurulun Afi Festival on August 9, Philippine National Police Chief PGEN Nicolas Torre III assured the people of Tuguegarao that when they dial 911 in case of emergencies, there will be an immediate police response.  

"Huwag niyo na po kaming hanapin sa mga presinto sapagkat ang mga pulis ay nasa inyo ng mga telepono. Dial 911, at kami’y darating sa loob ng limang minuto,” said Torre, emphasizing the importance of the 911 emergency hotline to respond to the needs of the public. 

“ Ang ating kapulisan ay kayang-kaya ng agarang koordinasyon gamit ang radio, at pag tumawag kayo sa 911, ang police ay tatawag lamang sa mga kasamahang nakapuwesto, sa pinakamalapit na lugar kung saan maaaring nandoon ang suspek,” Torre added.

To prove the system’s efficiency, the four-star general dialed 911 in front of the people who attended the said event to demonstrate the readiness of the police force.

However, he acknowledged that the system still depends on the strength of telecommunication signals in the area.  

"We are building a modern police force that not only upholds order but earns the respect and trust of the modern society that we deserve. With the continuous partnership of local government and communities like Tuguegarao we'll remain committed to peace, excellence, service, and protection for every Filipino," said Torre.  

The visit of the PNP Chief in Tuguegarao is part of the PNP’s ongoing campaign to promote the 911 hotline nationwide, encouraging communities to rely on the service for urgent police assistance rather than travelling to police stations. 

Based on gathered information, the 5-minute response strategy, initially a 3-minute response, was first initiated by Torre in Quezon City in 2022, when he served as District Director of the QCPD. He then implemented it across Metro Manila shortly after assuming his current position in early June 2025, announcing it on June 4 and formally setting performance standards just two days later.  

While the quick response initiative promises faster police assistance, several critiques have emerged. One of the questions of the public is its feasibility in far-flung or mountainous areas where telecommunication signals are poor. 

Torre acknowledged this limitation in his interview with the media. He said the five-minute standard applies first to urban areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan De Oro. 

For remote areas, he clarified that achieving the strategy relies not on the technology, but on the active or literal command. Commanders must issue orders over the radio or any reliable channel. 

Concluding his speech, Torre promised that the police will uphold their mandate to promote the maintenance of order and peace in the country.