ILOILO City – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III has denied the existence of any arrest quota system within the police force, clarifying that officers are instead being encouraged to adopt proactive and community-based policing strategies to maintain public safety.
Amid concerns over perceived pressure on police personnel to boost arrest figures, Torre, during his visit to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) here over the weekend, reiterated that arrest numbers are not mandated targets but rather outcomes of active and responsive law enforcement.
“Walang quota,” Torre said in a briefing with Western Visayas police officers. “What we are doing is encouraging police to intervene when necessary, including implementing warrantless arrests if justified. But there are no numerical targets involved.”
The PNP chief stressed that officers who conduct legitimate operations and uphold the law are recognized through a system of performance-based rewards, which may include commendations and career advancement.
“In short,” Torre added, “if you’re catching more criminals, that means you’re really working — you’re out there in the field.”
His visit comes as the region grapples with persistent challenges such as illegal drugs, theft, and other forms of street-level crime. Torre underscored the importance of visibility, timely intervention, and adherence to due process in law enforcement, particularly in Iloilo and surrounding municipalities.
He also called on barangay leaders and residents to collaborate closely with local police stations. “Policing is not done in isolation,” he said. “It works best when communities are engaged and involved.”
Torre’s statement reinforces the PNP’s broader push for reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, integrity, and public trust across all regional and local units./PN
