Saying that his "record speaks for itself", House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed on Thursday afternoon, May 29 the appointment of Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
“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,” Romualdez said in a statement.
Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, described Torre as a no-nonsense leader with the courage, integrity, and operational command needed to lead the force at a crucial time.
It can be recalled that Torre played a prominent role in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, as he assisted elements of the International Police (Interpol) last March in capturing the latter here in the country.
Ex-president Duterte is facing a charge of crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody war on drugs that allegedly claimed 30,000 lives.
Romualdez said that 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."
The leader of the 306-member House of Representatives says that Torre’s appointment by President Marcos signals a strong push for institutional reform within the PNP following repeated calls for internal cleansing and modernization.
“With General Torre at the helm, the PNP gains a chief who understands the urgency of reform from within, but who also brings the operational experience to crack down on crime, dismantle syndicates, and restore public trust,” Romualdez said.
Torre, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 1993, previously held key posts including district director of the Quezon City Police District and regional operations head of the National Capital Region Police Office. He is widely regarded for his accessible leadership style and reputation for clean governance.
The Speaker said the House is ready to support Torre’s leadership by ensuring the PNP has the necessary legislative tools and resources to carry out its mandate effectively.
“We are fully behind General Torre’s vision of a PNP that is professional, transparent and people-centered. The challenges ahead are immense, but with the right leadership, we can build a safer, more just Philippines,” the House chief stressed.
Torre will remain Rommel Marbil as the country's top cop.