The Philippine National Police (PNP) is one of the most powerful law enforcement bodies in the country. Its mission is rooted in upholding justice, ensuring peace and order, and protecting the Filipino people. But under the leadership of Gen. Nicolas Torre III, the PNP is becoming less about duty and more about drama—a worrying shift for a country already grappling with credibility issues in law enforcement.
When the Spotlight Becomes the Mission
From the very beginning of Torre’s tenure, it was clear he wanted to shake things up. But instead of reforms or strategic overhauls, what the nation got was a series of headline-grabbing stunts:
- A boxing match challenge with Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte
- The now-viral and questionable “3-minute response time” promise
- Public events that feel more like press junkets than policy briefings
While charity fundraising and community engagement are commendable in theory, using the office of the PNP Chief as a personal stage for entertainment sends the wrong message—especially in a time when Filipinos are looking for serious solutions to crime, drugs, corruption, and public safety.
Image Over Integrity
The Baste vs. Torre charity match may have raised ₱16.3 million in donations, but at what cost to the PNP’s reputation? When the nation’s top cop steps into a boxing ring instead of a strategy room, it creates a chilling question: Has law enforcement become a performance act?
More troubling than the no-show mayor is the fact that Torre went ahead with the spectacle—complete with media fanfare and a victory-by-default declaration. It resembled more of a celebrity PR stunt than a meaningful contribution to public service.
Misplaced Priorities
While Torre boasts about 3-minute police response times and photo-ops in boxing gloves, communities across the country still face:
- Slow response to actual crime emergencies
- Lack of trust in police due to abuse and impunity
- Underpaid and overworked officers doing real frontline work
- Unresolved issues in internal corruption and accountability
These realities deserve the PNP chief’s attention more than online clout or machismo-driven antics. Public trust in the PNP is a fragile thing, and it’s not something that can be rebuilt with viral challenges or grandstanding.
Law Enforcement Is Not a Game
Leadership in law enforcement demands professionalism, focus, and credibility. Torre’s current style risks undermining all three. His actions may entertain a crowd, but they trivialize the serious mandate of a police institution tasked with defending human rights and safeguarding national peace.
A PNP chief should inspire confidence—not parody. The uniform is not a costume for content.
The Philippine National Police is not supposed to be a circus. The country needs firm, strategic leadership—not a ringmaster. If Gen. Torre wants to truly serve the people, it’s time to step out of the limelight and back into serious leadership. Otherwise, he risks turning one of the nation’s most important institutions into a national joke.
