Quezon City: Commanders and police officers aspiring for promotion within the Philippine National Police (PNP) will now be required to submit affidavits of arrest. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced this new requirement during his first flag-raising ceremony as the head of the 230,000-strong police force at Camp Crame.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Torre has directed the Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to mandate that promotion applicants provide 'receipts' as proof of arresting criminals in line with Rule 113 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedures. This rule permits warrantless arrests under specific conditions, such as when an offense is committed in the presence of an officer or when there is probable cause based on personal knowledge.

Gen. Torre emphasized that the affidavits of arrest will significantly impact the metrics for promotion. He noted that arresting without a warrant is one of the most challenging tasks for police officers and stressed that this requirement aims to ensure fairness.

Following the ceremony, Gen. Torre visited the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Quezon City, where he assured officials that police officers will uphold human rights while performing their duties. He reiterated his commitment to not tolerating extrajudicial killings and acknowledged the CHR's role in holding the police accountable.

The CHR, represented by chairperson Richard Palpa-latoc, expressed support for the PNP's duties while emphasizing the importance of lawful conduct. He stated that the police force is the primary institution monitored by the CHR and that the use of force by police should be necessary and proportional.

Gen. Torre also mentioned that a memorandum of understanding between the PNP and CHR is being refined to strengthen collaboration in ensuring police actions remain within legal boundaries.