President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has selected Police Major General Nicolas Torre III as the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, replacing retiring Police General Rommel Marbil, effective June 2.
In a press briefing yesterday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that the President considered five candidates for the position; however, he did not disclose the names of the other candidates.
Torre’s appointment comes as Mr. Marcos emphasized the importance of sustaining efforts that have led to lower crime rates, while also focusing on making police officers more visible in communities.
It can be recalled that Marbil was due for retirement in February, but got an extension in his service to ensure continuity during the election season.
Torre, a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy’s Tagapagpatupad Class of 1993, currently heads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
He previously held key leadership roles in the Quezon City Police District and the Davao regional police office.
Torre gained national attention after leading the 16-day operation that resulted in the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.
He also oversaw the controversial arrest and turnover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court, which is investigating allegations of crimes against humanity tied to the previous administration’s war on drugs.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed Torre’s appointment as the new PNP chief, describing him as a no-nonsense leader with the courage, integrity, and operational command needed to lead the force at a crucial time.
“General Torre is stepping into this role with a record that speaks for itself. He is a principled and fearless officer, the kind of leader the PNP needs to restore credibility, enforce the law without fear or favor, and protect the Filipino people with professionalism and respect,” the Speaker said.
He said, despite intense public scrutiny and political pressure, Torre remained steadfast in upholding the law while carrying out high-profile missions
“General Torre’s steady hand in critical situations shows he is not only unafraid to act, but also committed to doing so within the bounds of the law. That kind of leadership is rare, and exactly what the police force needs today,” Romualdez pointed out.
For her part, Representative-elect Leila de Lima also welcomed Torre’s appointment as she congratulated the latter on his new posting.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to Police Major General Nicolas Torre III on his appointment as Chief of the Philippine National Police,” de Lima said in a statement.
“This new responsibility comes at a time when the country yearns for institutions that serve with integrity, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and safety of every Filipino. I have full confidence that under P/Maj. Gen. Torre’s leadership, the PNP can further restore public trust and reaffirm its role as a protector of the people, not of power,” she added.
De Lima, who will sit as a member of the prosecution panel in the upcoming impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, said Torre has shown courage and fidelity to his oath in moments that have tested the principles of law enforcement.
“I trust that he will bring the same clarity of purpose and steadiness of hand in his stewardship of the police force, guided not by political allegiance but by his sworn duty to the Constitution and the Republic, ” the ML Party-list first nominee said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Torre is new PNP chief; Agrupis to lead CHED—Palace”
