Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), succeeding Gen. Rommel Marbil, who will retire on June 7. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the appointment during a press briefing at Malaca±ang, confirming that Torre will assume command on June 2.
According to Philippines News Agency, Torre, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Tagapagpatupad class of 1993, has previously served as the director of the Quezon City Police District and the Davao Regional Police Office. His notable achievements include leading the successful arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former President Rodrigo Duterte, turning him over to the International Criminal Court amid investigations of alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte's drug war.
Torre is set to be the 31st PNP chief and the fourth to serve under the Marcos administration. He will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on March 11, 2027. President Marcos has tasked him with sustaining efforts to maintain peace and order, highlighting a recent decline in crime rates as a sign of progress.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez praised Torre's appointment, emphasizing his record of courage, integrity, and operational command. Romualdez expressed confidence in Torre's ability to enforce the law and protect the public with professionalism, pledging the House of Representatives' support for Torre's leadership in providing necessary legislative tools and resources for the PNP.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor 'Jonvic' Remula also welcomed Torre's appointment, viewing it as a testament to President Marcos' careful evaluation of Torre's credentials and service. Remula expressed confidence in Torre's potential to drive transformation and innovation within the PNP, pledging the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) support in implementing internal reforms and enhancing police visibility.
Outgoing PNP Chief Marbil urged the police force to support Torre, expressing confidence in Torre's ability to lead with integrity and vision. Marbil acknowledged Torre's leadership skills and expressed optimism that Torre would sustain the gains achieved in the anti-criminality campaign, which has significantly improved the country's peace and order environment.
