Quezon City: Eight chiefs of police in Metro Manila have been relieved from their posts for failing to comply with the five-minute response policy, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced after a flag-raising ceremony at the Quezon City Hall. The chiefs relieved are from the cities of Caloocan, Navotas, Valenzuela, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan, Para±aque, and Makati.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Torre mentioned that more police chiefs might face similar consequences as he recently visited Central Visayas, including Iloilo, and warned some provincial commanders there. His visit aimed to assess the current state of his 'Serve and Protect' policy.

Torre stated that the positions of the relieved chiefs would be declared open to allow other interested and qualified police commanders to meet the required standards. He emphasized the need for police chiefs to actively maximize the deployment of their officers, urging them to exercise command authority both figuratively and literally, whether over the radio or through other communication means.

The five-minute police response policy was initially implemented by Torre during his tenure as the director of the Quezon City Police District. This approach signifies a shift from traditional precinct-based policing, aiming to ensure swift response to emergencies at any time.

Torre reiterated the commitment to uphold this policy as a promise to the President and the Filipino people, stating that commanders unable to meet this standard would be replaced by those who can.