Manila Times
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Saturday, Apr 04, 2026
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Nicolas Torre III Appointed Chief of Philippine National Police
The first PNPA graduate to lead the nation's police force, Torre succeeds Gen. Rommel Marbil amid the end of military graduates' dominance.
Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III has been appointed as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), making history as the first graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to hold the position.
This appointment is notable as Torre takes over from Gen. Rommel Marbil, who is set to retire on June 2, 2024. Torre, 55, hails from Jolo, Sulu, and is the fourth PNP chief appointed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as well as the 31st in the organization's history.
Before his appointment, Torre was instrumental in high-profile operations, including the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the apprehension of Apollo Quiboloy, a well-known pastor.
His leadership style and operational successes in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have garnered attention, marking a shift away from the dominance previously held by graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in the PNP's top positions.
Torre, a member of the PNPA Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993, acknowledged extensive support following the announcement of his appointment, receiving over 1,200 text messages.
He emphasized, however, that he was unable to respond to phone calls due to the overwhelming volume of correspondence.
In a light-hearted post on Facebook, he requested followers to text him instead as he manages the influx of messages.
His appointment has attracted diverse responses on social media, particularly from supporters of Duterte, who have criticized him.
Nevertheless, Torre's reputation as an innovator in police operations has been noted.
Notable contributions include the introduction of a three-minute response time protocol during his tenure as the director of the Quezon City Police District.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin commented on Torre's appointment, suggesting that while the arrests of Duterte and Quiboloy may have influenced the decision, it was ultimately based on merit.
He stated that the President considered multiple candidates before making the final choice, highlighting Torre's professionalism during critical operations.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla congratulated Torre, citing his experience and strong credentials, and expressing confidence in his ability to facilitate transformation and innovation within the PNP. Remulla’s department is poised to collaborate with Torre on initiatives aimed at internal reform and enhancing police visibility in the community.
Speaker Martin Romualdez also lauded the appointment, describing Torre as a principled leader who possesses the necessary courage and integrity to enhance the PNP's credibility and public trust.
Similar sentiments were echoed by several representatives and former officials, who endorsed Torre’s leadership qualities, integrity, and commitment to service.
Torre is recognized for his capacity to navigate challenging situations effectively, having displayed significant calmness and decisiveness during high-pressure operations.
He is also credited with modernizing police practices, including the implementation of drone technology to improve law enforcement efficiency.
As Torre steps into his new role, his appointment marks a significant change in the leadership of the Philippine National Police, signaling a potential shift in the organization’s approach to law enforcement and public safety.
This appointment is notable as Torre takes over from Gen. Rommel Marbil, who is set to retire on June 2, 2024. Torre, 55, hails from Jolo, Sulu, and is the fourth PNP chief appointed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as well as the 31st in the organization's history.
Before his appointment, Torre was instrumental in high-profile operations, including the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the apprehension of Apollo Quiboloy, a well-known pastor.
His leadership style and operational successes in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have garnered attention, marking a shift away from the dominance previously held by graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in the PNP's top positions.
Torre, a member of the PNPA Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993, acknowledged extensive support following the announcement of his appointment, receiving over 1,200 text messages.
He emphasized, however, that he was unable to respond to phone calls due to the overwhelming volume of correspondence.
In a light-hearted post on Facebook, he requested followers to text him instead as he manages the influx of messages.
His appointment has attracted diverse responses on social media, particularly from supporters of Duterte, who have criticized him.
Nevertheless, Torre's reputation as an innovator in police operations has been noted.
Notable contributions include the introduction of a three-minute response time protocol during his tenure as the director of the Quezon City Police District.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin commented on Torre's appointment, suggesting that while the arrests of Duterte and Quiboloy may have influenced the decision, it was ultimately based on merit.
He stated that the President considered multiple candidates before making the final choice, highlighting Torre's professionalism during critical operations.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla congratulated Torre, citing his experience and strong credentials, and expressing confidence in his ability to facilitate transformation and innovation within the PNP. Remulla’s department is poised to collaborate with Torre on initiatives aimed at internal reform and enhancing police visibility in the community.
Speaker Martin Romualdez also lauded the appointment, describing Torre as a principled leader who possesses the necessary courage and integrity to enhance the PNP's credibility and public trust.
Similar sentiments were echoed by several representatives and former officials, who endorsed Torre’s leadership qualities, integrity, and commitment to service.
Torre is recognized for his capacity to navigate challenging situations effectively, having displayed significant calmness and decisiveness during high-pressure operations.
He is also credited with modernizing police practices, including the implementation of drone technology to improve law enforcement efficiency.
As Torre steps into his new role, his appointment marks a significant change in the leadership of the Philippine National Police, signaling a potential shift in the organization’s approach to law enforcement and public safety.
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