ILOILO CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III visited Camp Martin Delgado on Saturday to meet with police commanders from Western and Central Visayas and the Negros Island Region. The agenda: Jumpstarting the rollout of the PNP’s flagship 5-Minute Response Time Strategy in the region.

The initiative is designed to cut down emergency response times and bring police services closer to communities, both urban and rural.

“We need to be clear and realistic with our strategies,” Torre told local officials during the meeting. “What works in a city might not apply to far-flung areas, so we need to tailor our approach.”

To support the plan, Torre announced that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be providing new patrol vehicles to regional units.

“No officer can respond quickly without mobility. We’re working closely with DILG to close that gap,” he said.

In a separate press briefing, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed the agency’s full support for the modernization of police transportation in key areas where the rapid response program is being rolled out.

As part of the preparations, police commanders in Western Visayas have begun reassessing their deployment strategies and response protocols.

Under the 5-Minute Response Time Strategy, the clock starts ticking the moment the command center receives a report and dispatches responders. Calls made through 911 are typically routed through the National Command Center in Camp Crame, although some calls from Visayas areas may be received by the 911-Cebu hub.

Torre also highlighted the need for efficient hotline operations and better digital coordination, warning that prank callers — while still being answered — could face legal action or be blocked for repeated offenses.

During the visit, PRO-6 presented its local action plans to align with the program. Regional Director PBGen Jack Wanky pledged full support, noting the importance of collaboration with local governments and emergency response units.