Nicolas Torre is next PNP chief —Bersamin

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin disclosed that Police Major General Nicolas Torre III is the next Philippine National Police chief. 

Torre will replace PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil, whose extended term is set to expire on June 7.

''The turnover of command will happen June 2nd,'' Bersamin said during a press briefing.

Asked why Torre was picked by the President, Bersamin said the considerations for choosing the nation's top cop are confidential and should be respected. 

''Wala akong maibigay na detalye diyan ano? (I cannot give you details). You know the appointment of  the officers of the PNP, they are to be kept confidential. We should respect that confidentiality. But it's the President's discretion which I considered to be absolute,'' Bersamin said.

''No one can question that use of discretion,'' he added. 

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Marcos' decision ''reflects a careful assessment of Torre’s strong credentials and exemplary service.''

''We are confident his leadership will drive transformation, innovation, and strengthen the PNP’s mandate to serve and protect,'' Remulla said in a statement.

Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez said Torre 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.''

“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 added.

Torre as CIDG chief led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his transport to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on March 11 over crimes against humanity case in connection with his administration’s war on drugs.

As Police Regional Office 11 chief, Torre led the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy on September 8, 2024 in Davao City over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.

Torre served as the Communications and Electronics Service director of the PNP from April 3 to June 17, 2024. He was Quezon City Police District chief from August 8, 2022 to August 30, 2023.

Torre, who is now 54 years old, earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Safety degree at the Philippine National Police Academy in Canlubang, Laguna in 1993.

He was born in Jolo, Sulu.

Bersamin was not ruling out the possibility that Torre's appointment was the result of the major operations he carried out.

''I'm not going to discount that. But maybe there are other qualities of General Torre that he (Marcos) might have considered,'' Bersamin said. 

Bersamin also expressed belief that Torre's appointment would not cause chaos or demoralization within the PNP, noting that police officials are ''professionals.'' —with reports from Joviland Rita and Llanesca Panti/VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News