Newly-appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III, who led the operation to arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte last March, vowed swifter response against crime and more visibility of police following his official assumption of the post on Monday.

Torre, the first graduate of the PNP Academy to man the national police, assumed the post at the PNP Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil at Camp Crame. The ceremony was led by President Ferdinand Marcos.

In a separate press briefing, Torre announced his plans to implement a “three-minute response” nationwide that will mainly focus on city centers that operate for 24 hours. He had done this when he headed the Quezon City Police District.

''Every call for help deserves immediate action and attention,'' he said at his assumption speech.

Torre is also looking at the feasibility of the eight-hour duty for police officers compared to the present 12 hours.

He also plans to deactivate police community precincts and realign police officers on beat patrol.

He said police community precincts is just a place where police officers loiter.

In his speech, Marcos challenged Torre to "keep our police force clean and honorable. Speed up the investigation of cases against police officers who have violated the law for us to deliver justice as soon as possible".

"Also, strengthen the police presence on the streets. Ensure that more police officers patrol the streets and our communities, especially in areas where crimes are common", Marcos said.

Marcos tasked Torre to continue the fight against illegal drugs and monitoring communities so that even small-time drug dealers has no escape.

"Let your badge be your daily pledge?not to command?but to serve with integrity. Let every decision uphold the law, and let every gesture reflect the quiet dignity of true public service. May the PNP become a source of hope and reassurance to every community that you protect", Marcos added. Marie Manalili/DMS