The Philippine National Police (PNP) is once again under the spotlight with its new chief, Police General Nicolas Torre III, swinging a heavy disciplinary hammer. Torre’s recent decision to sack eight Metro Manila police chiefs for failing to meet his five-minute emergency response mandate is a bold move, no doubt. But as the dust settles, one can’t help but wonder: is this tough-guy approach a genuine push for reform, or just another flare-up of ningas cogon—that all-too-familiar Filipino tendency to start strong but fizzle out fast?
Torre’s directive, part of the broader “Cops On the Beat” program championed by President Marcos, aims to make police more visible and responsive, with a promise to answer emergency calls within five minutes. It’s an ambitious goal, especially in a region like Metro Manila, where traffic is a relentless beast. In 2023, the capital was ranked the world’s worst metro area for traffic congestion. Expecting police to zip through gridlocked streets in five minutes feels more like a cinematic fantasy than a grounded policy. Yet, Torre is doubling down, conducting simulation exercises (SIMEX) and threatening to remove not just local chiefs but even regional directors if they fail to deliver.

The intention is commendable. A visible, responsive police force could rebuild public trust, which has long been eroded by perceptions of corruption and inefficiency. Torre’s hardline stance—relieving eight chiefs in one go—sends a clear message: shape up or ship out. But the question lingers: is this sustainable, or is it just another flash in the pan?

The PNP’s history is littered with examples of ningas cogon. Take former PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s “Itaga mo sa Bato” app in 2016, meant to bolster the 911 system. It launched with fanfare but faded into obscurity. Then there were the body-worn cameras, introduced to promote transparency but abandoned after allegations of profiteering by suppliers and officials. And who can forget the mountain bike patrols in Metro Manila? Hundreds of bikes were rolled out, only to vanish like a puff of smoke. These initiatives, much like Torre’s five-minute response policy, started with big promises but lacked the systems, resources, and follow-through to make them stick.

The problem isn’t just logistics—though traffic, understaffing, and inadequate infrastructure are real hurdles. It’s also a matter of mindset. The PNP has a culture of short-term showmanship, where new chiefs launch headline-grabbing programs to make their mark, only for those efforts to wither when the next leader takes over. Torre himself is the fourth PNP chief under Marcos, a testament to the revolving door of leadership that stifles continuity. With tenures often lasting less than a year, long-term reform becomes a pipe dream. Torre, set to serve until 2026, has a rare opportunity to break this cycle—but only if he moves beyond cosmetic fixes.

The five-minute response goal, while appealing, feels like another papogi move without a robust system to back it up. Metro Manila’s traffic alone makes the target unrealistic in many cases. Add to that the lack of centralized emergency call systems, insufficient patrol vehicles, and a police force stretched thin, and you have a recipe for failure. Torre’s SIMEX drills are a step in the right direction, but they’re only simulations. Real-world emergencies don’t follow scripts, and sacking chiefs won’t magically clear EDSA’s gridlock or multiply patrol units.

What’s needed is a shift from grand gestures to structural reform. Invest in technology to streamline emergency calls. Equip officers with reliable tools and training. Address traffic congestion through coordination with local governments. And most importantly, foster a culture of accountability that outlasts any single chief’s tenure. Torre’s tough talk is a start, but without addressing these deeper issues, his five-minute promise risks becoming another ningas cogon casualty—a bright spark that burns out before it can truly light the way.

The Filipino people deserve a police force that serves and protects, not one that chases fleeting headlines. Torre has a chance to change the narrative, to prove that his reforms are more than just another flash of enthusiasm. But if history is any guide, the fire of ningas cogon burns hot and fast—and leaves little but ashes behind.(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #PNP #PBBM #PNPCHIEF #ningascogon
Photo: PNP Chief Gen.Nicolas Torre during a meeting with President Marcos in Malacañang recently.