ILOILO City – Ilonggo Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III has ruled out the immediate dismissal of police officers who fail the standard firearms proficiency test, but warned that persistent underperformance could result in sanctions, including reassignment to non-combat roles and the withdrawal of their service firearms.
Speaking during his recent visit to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) here, Torre emphasized that while retraining will be the first course of action for officers who fall short of marksmanship standards, public safety takes precedence.
“Hindi naman natin sila ipapatanggal. We will train them,” Torre said. “Kung talagang wala silang pag-asa, eh hindi talaga, bisan ano ta nga hatag bala sa ila kag indi gihapon magamit. Well, there are other jobs naman. I-train naton siya. If he really fails, sanctions will be given.”
Sanctions may include assigning the officer to desk duties and requiring them to return their firearm, Torre added, “kay basi makatiro pa siya sa iban nga tawo. Tagaan ta siya bolo eh, ukon arnis. Damo kita arnis para nga gamiton.”
Although delivered partly in jest, Torre’s remarks underscored the PNP’s seriousness in ensuring that only competent personnel are issued service firearms. He emphasized that public safety remains the top priority.
The PNP mandates all personnel to undergo annual firearms proficiency tests, which assess not only marksmanship but also safe handling, maintenance, and judgment under pressure. Officers who fail these tests are subjected to remedial training and retesting.
While repeated failure can lead to reassignment to administrative posts, outright dismissal is considered only in cases where broader patterns of incompetence or misconduct are evident, as outlined in PNP operational guidelines and Internal Affairs Service procedures.
Torre’s reference to arnis — recognized as the national martial art of the Philippines — was not entirely symbolic. The PNP has integrated arnis into its training curriculum for self-defense and non-lethal enforcement strategies.
Concerns about firearms proficiency have persisted in the police force, particularly after incidents involving negligent discharges. Torre reiterated the agency’s commitment to discipline, training, and matching officers with roles appropriate to their skill levels./PN
