Torre takes over as PNP chief

Police Major General Nicolas Torre III is the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as he officially assumed the post during a change of command ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday. 

He replaced Police General Rommel Marbil, whose extended term is set to expire on June 7. 

Torre, the 31st chief of the PNP, is the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to lead the police organization, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the donning of rank for Torre for the top cop's promotion from Police Major General to Police General on Monday.

Marcos also called on Torre to ensure “clean” police ranks and make the cops’ presence felt by the public.

“Hamon ko sa 'yo, panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng kapulisan. Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang maibigay natin ang hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon,” Marcos told Torre in his speech.

(I challenge you to ensure a clean police ranks, who serve with integrity. Hasten the probe into cases involving police who allegedly violated the law so that justice may be served.)

“Paigtingin ang presensya ng kapulisan sa lansangan… Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis agad na reresponde,” he added.

(Make the cops’ presence felt in the streets. If the public has concerns, the cops must immediately respond.)

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Thursday that Torre is the next PNP chief. 

Torre as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (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 to face charges of crimes against humanity case in connection with his administration’s war on drugs.

He was the CIDG chief from September 25, 2024 until his installation as PNP chief. 

As Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 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.

He led the PRO 11 from June 18, 2024 to September 24, 2024. 

Torre served as the Communications and Electronics Service director of the PNP from April 3 to June 17, 2024. 

He was also 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 PNPA in 1993.

He was born in Jolo, Sulu. —KG, GMA Integrated News