Malacañang announced on Thursday the appointment of PMGen. Nicolas Torre III, current Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He will assume the role of PNP Chief from PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, marking his place as the 31st leader of the country's police force.
"The incoming PNP Chief is PMGen. Nicolas D. Torre III. The turnover of command will happen June 2nd," Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced during the Palace press briefing.
Bersamin emphasized that while promotions are often seen as a form of reward, they are primarily based on merit.
Speaking on Torre’s appointment, he emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, highlighting the thorough deliberation that went into the selection process.
He revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had considered, to his recollection, five candidates for the post. Ultimately, the decision was made in favor of PMGen. Torre.
"By the time he accepts this appointment, he will have the four stars that is the regulatory rank," said Bersamin.
Marbil, for his part, said he was pleased with the President’s decision on his successor as PNP chief.
According to Marbil, the reforms he initiated—such as internal cleansing and the reorganization of the PNP—will continue.This was the outgoing PNP Chief’s response after the President expressed his desire to maintain the country's low crime rate.
Meanwhile, Torre expressed his gratitude for the support he received following Malacañang’s announcement of his appointment.
"Salamat sa inyong suporta. Text po muna at umuusok na phone ko. Salamat po uli!" said Torre.
Torre makes history as the first PNP chief to come from the Philippine National Police Academy, breaking a tradition long dominated by graduates of the Philippine Military Academy. He is a member of the PNPA 'Tagapaglunsad' Class of 1993.
Under the previous administration, he served as the District Director of the Quezon City Police District after holding the post of Police Director in Samar.
Torre rose to prominence during his tenure as Regional Director of PRO-11 under the Marcos Jr. administration, where he introduced reforms such as improvements in crime data reporting.
He also oversaw the regional police operations aimed at arresting Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, who has been charged with qualified human trafficking and child and sexual abuse.
Following his assignment in PRO-11, Torre was reassigned to Camp Crame, where he was appointed Director of the CIDG in 2024. He was later promoted to the rank of Major General in 2025.
