PNP Chief Sets Arrest Receipts as Promotion Criteria
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has reinforced his policy of measuring police performance through the number of arrests made. He declared that receipts of arrests will now play a crucial role in the promotion and assignment of police commanders. This new rule emphasizes the importance of active pursuit of criminals, a move that reflects Torre’s commitment to institutionalizing swift police response.
However, Torre clarified that the metric focuses specifically on warrantless arrests under Rule 113 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedures, not arrests made through court-issued warrants. This distinction highlights the expectation for officers to act decisively during crimes in progress or immediately after offenses occur.
Understanding Warrantless Arrests: The Core of New Policy
Under Rule 113, peace officers or private citizens may arrest without a warrant in three cases: when a crime is committed or attempted in their presence; when they have probable cause to believe a person has just committed an offense; or when an escaped prisoner is apprehended. Torre’s directive requires aspiring commanders to submit receipts in the form of affidavits of arrest to prove their active participation in such operations.
“How can you be a commander if you have not arrested criminals? That’s why I asked the DPRM to require all commanders and those aspiring to become commanders to submit the receipt,” Torre explained. The affidavit of arrest serves as a straightforward proof of action and will be a key metric in evaluating officers’ eligibility for promotion.
Challenges and Accountability in Police Promotions
Torre emphasized that making arrests without warrants remains one of the most demanding tasks police officers face. This policy aims to motivate officers at all levels—from patrolmen to lieutenants—to engage more actively in crime-fighting efforts.
“The receipt is the affidavit of arrest, that’s all, it’s simple. So to the rank and file, patrolman, corporal, sergeants and even lieutenants who want to be promoted, the big metrics of points will be the affidavit of arrest,” he added.
Building Bridges with the Commission on Human Rights
In a significant move toward fostering cooperation, Gen. Torre visited the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office in Quezon City right after a flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame. His visit as guest of honor and speaker signals a fresh start between the PNP and the CHR — two bodies that previously had strained relations over human rights concerns during past drug war operations.
Torre shared his intent to clarify the parameters of his policy to the CHR, reassuring that police operations will be conducted within legal boundaries and established PNP procedures. “I will explain to the CHR the metrics of this,” he said, affirming his commitment to upholding human rights while pursuing effective law enforcement.
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