PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Maj. Gen. Nicholas Torre III, director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, as PNP chief, replacing Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
Torre is the first graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to become PNP chief. He led operations for the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte in March, and of Apollo Quiboloy, head of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, in September last year.
Torre, in a message, expressed gratitude. “Salamat sa inyong suporta. Text po muna at umuusok na phone ko. Salamat po uli!” he said.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a briefing in Malacañang yesterday, said Torre was among five officers considered by the President as replacement for Marbil.
The current PNP chief was supposed to retire in February but his term was extended by the President to June 7 because of the May 12 midterm elections.
Bersamin said the turnover of command is scheduled for June 2, and Torre would be promoted to a four star-general upon his assumption of the position.
Bersamin declined to say what contributed to Torre’s appointment.
“It’s the President’s discretion, which I consider to be absolute … No one can question the use of that discretion, call it inscrutable. But right now, the considerations that weighed in the choice of General Torre should be respected,” he said.
Asked if the successful high-profile operations Torre handled contributed to his appointment as PNP chief, Bersamin said, “I cannot discount but the President always demands performance. Whatever he asked you to do, you must exhibit a high-degree level of performance, so maybe that is one,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said the DILG “welcomes and fully supports” the President’s decision.
“The President’s decision reflects a careful assessment of Maj. Gen. Torre’s strong credentials and exemplary service,” said Remulla.
“We are confident his leadership will drive transformation, innovation, and strengthen the PNP’s mandate to serve and protect,” added Remulla.
Remulla also thanked Marbil “for his dedicated service and outstanding leadership.”
PNPA
The 55-year-old Torre is the first product of the PNPA to head the police force since the PNP’s establishment in 1991. Torre graduated from the PNPA in 1993.
The Academy was established in 1977.
Torre’s 28 predecessors, including Marbil, are all graduates of the Philippine Military Academy. Marbil is a member of the PMA Class 1991.
Torre bested several senior police officers, including PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez who is from the PMA Class 1992.
Police officers from Class 1992 are the last batch of PMAyers in the police force. The PNP stopped accepting PMA graduates in 1993, deciding to get its officers mainly from the PNP Academy which was established in 1977.
Torre assumed the post of CIDG director in September last year. He served as director of the Davao police regional office and played key role in the arrest of Quiboloy, an ally of former president Duterte, in September last year on charges of qualified human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Torre also served as director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service, and director of the Quezon City Police District.
Meanwhile, 11 police officers were promoted to the next higher rank.
The 11 were led by Col. Randulf Tuaño, chief of the PNP Public Information Office. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
Promoted from lieutenant colonel to colonel were Vicente Amante, Jeffrey Bilaro, Cheryl Yatar, Mark Anthony Andrade, Regina Narag, James Dime, Christel Marie Nobleza, Benjamin Cruto Jr, Eric De Venancio and Roger Mangaoang.
