Manila, June 2 -- Clean up the police force, act swiftly against erring officers, and ensure the police remain a source of public reassurance and protection.

These were among President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s firm marching orders to new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who officially took over the reins of the 231,000-strong police force on Monday.

"Panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng kapulisan (Keep the police ranks clean and honorable)," Marcos said during the PNP change of command ceremony in Camp Crame.

Marcos urged Torre to act decisively in investigating police officers involved in illegal activities.

"Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang...