PNP eyes stricter firearm proficiency policy for police officers

This photo taken January 24, 2024, shows Philippine National Police officers gathering for the pre-launching of the Bangon Pilipinas Kick-off Rally held outside the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement a stricter firearms proficiency policy for its officers.

PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced the new, tougher rule during an interview with reporters at the PNP Press Corps Shootfest in Quezon City on Friday.

“I will be very, very strict. Our DHRDD (Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development) has firearms proficiency standards,” he added.

“For quite a while, it wasn’t taken rather seriously, but I’ll personally see to it and lead the test, exams. If I fail, I’ll retire,” he added.

Torre said he aims to review the firearms proficiency of officers in top leadership positions by July, noting that the policy will cover personnel from the rank of patrolman up to general.

“If they’re tested and they fail marksmanship, well, I’ll remove the commanders who’ll fail our proficiency testing,” he added.

READ: PNP: Manila cop faces admin raps for pulling a gun on motor rider

The PNP chief also said he had ordered the procurement of more ammunition for police officers to use in firearms proficiency training.

The PNP Training Service offers simulations to help officers improve their firearm handling skills.

READ: PNP logs over 3,600 violators of 2025 election gun ban

“Proficiency and efficiency in the use of firearms are very, very important because lives are on the line here,” Torre said.

“If you take the firearm and you don’t know how to use it and if you don’t hit your intended target and instead hit an innocent person, that’s what we don’t want,” he added./mcm/abc