President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stressed that reducing crime is not enough if Filipinos still feel unsafe in their own communities, highlighting the importance of visible and responsive law enforcement to regain public trust.
Speaking on Wednesday, Marcos acknowledged the improvement in crime statistics and drug seizures but emphasized that the goal goes beyond the numbers. “It’s not sufficient that you are safe, you must feel safe,” he said, underscoring the need for citizens to be confident when walking alone at night or sending their children to nearby stores.
The President cited the “Cops on the Beat” program, rolled out shortly after Gen. Nicolas Torre III took over as Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), as a step toward restoring community confidence. “That’s the only way to regain the trust,” Marcos added. “Isang tawag lang, tatakbo na rito yan.”
Torre recently dismissed eight police chiefs across Metro Manila who failed to meet the administration’s directive of responding to 911 emergency calls within five minutes, a key component of Marcos’ push for quicker and more visible police action.
