New standard in public safety: 5-minute police response

The five-minute police response policy is not a drill. That's what citizens — and the police force — have realized after eight police commanders in Metro Manila were sacked from their posts recently for failing to comply with the five-minute police response policy. And more are expected to be relieved if they fail to guide their men to ensure quick response to calls for assistance, said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III early this week.

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The PNP chief had implemented the same five-minute response time when he was the director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). Now, as PNP chief, Gen. Torre is expanding this policy across Metro Manila and major urban centers, and soon around the country.

It's not merely a matter of punctuality — it's a matter of trust. A five-minute response time means crime scenes are not left unguarded, victims are not left alone, and perpetrators do not get a head start to cover their tracks. Every minute counts. And Torre's firm approach— relieving commanders who fail to meet the standard — is a clear message: police leadership must be competent, visible, and accountable.