Slow responders: 8 NCR police chiefs relieved

Eight Metro Manila police chiefs have been relieved on orders of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III for failing to follow his order on a five-minute response time to peace and order problems.

- By EJ MACABABBAD and MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed to The STAR the dismissal of the eight chiefs Saturday upon the "instruction from the PNP chief."

"I gave them standards, and I know if they are compliant or not because that will show in their performance," Torre told reporters in Filipino after the flag-raising ceremony yesterday in Quezon City, where he was a guest of honor.

"If they can't step up to that standard, we will look for commanders who will do so," he said. "That is our commitment to the President and to the Filipino people."

The relieved officers were Col. Paul Jady Doles of Caloocan, Col. Jean dela Torre of Makati, Col. Mary Grace Madayag of Mandaluyong, Col. Erwin Dayag of Marikina, Col. Mario Cortes of Navotas, Col. Melvin Montante of Parañaque, Col. Deodennis Joy Marmol of San Juan and Col. Nixon Cayaban of Valenzuela.

On Saturday, Col. Reycon Garduque took over Dela Torre in Makati, while Col. Orlando Mirando Jr. replaced Montante in Parañaque.

Col. Jenny Tecson of Mandaluyong, Col. Geoffrey Fernandez of Marikina and Col. Joseph Talento of San Juan took over from the relieved officers last Sunday.

The Northern Police District also conducted its turnover ceremony on Sunday with Col. Joey Goforth taking over the helm in Caloocan, Col. Renante Pinuela in Navotas and Col. Relly Arnedo in Valenzuela.

While Torre promised a three-minute response time for every 911 call received, which he first introduced when he was Quezon City police chief, the PNP is setting a trial period of five minutes in pilot areas.