POLICE General Nicolas Torre III has formally assumed post as the 31st chief of the 231,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP).
Torre took his oath of office administered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during a turn-over of command ceremony held in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Torre, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993 and the first PNPA Lakan to hold the highest police rank, succeeded PNP chief General Rommel Marbil.
In his speech, Marcos commended Marbil for leading the PNP with a compass firmly set on integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
He said under Marbil’s leadership, the PNP became a more people-centered, structured, and regulated institution as he guided police officers to serve with integrity, restoring the people’s confidence in the uniform that the police wear.
“In moments that tested our resilience—from disaster response to crisis management, from general public safety to the conduct of a credible and peaceful 2025 National and Local Elections—you showed us what a smart, capable leadership looks like,” said Marcos.
“Sa ilalim ng iyong pamumuno, naging sandigan ng pamahalaan ang kapulisan sa paghahatid ng tulong, pagbibigay ng proteksyon, at pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao. Ipinakita ng PNP na walang katumbas ang buhay ng tao—mga buhay na nailigtas, napaglingkuran, at natulungang makabangon,” he added.
(Under your leadership, the police force has become a pillar of the government in delivering aid, providing protection, and upholding human rights. The PNP has shown that human life is priceless—lives that have been saved, served, and helped to rise again.)
Marbil expressed gratitude to Marcos for giving him the opportunity to serve the Filipino people.
Marcos expressed confidence in Torre as he issued his marching order to keep the police rank clean and with the highest integrity.
“Hamon ko sa’yo: Panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng ating mga 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.
(My challenge to you: Keep our police force clean and honorable. Expedite the investigation of cases against police officers who have broken the law so that we may deliver justice as soon as possible.)
“Bilang alagad ng batas, inaasahan ang buong kapulisan na kumilos nang marangal, maglingkod nang tapat, at maging sandigan ng ating mga kababayan. Iwasan ninyo ang paggamit ng pribilehiyo para sa pansariling benepisyo. Maging instrumento kayo [ng] katuwiran, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran,” he added.
(As officers of the law, the entire police force is expected to act with integrity, serve with loyalty, and be a pillar of support for our fellow citizens. Avoid using your privilege for personal gain. Be instruments of justice, peace, and progress.)
The chief executive also called for continuity in the implementation of the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, which prioritizes the arrest of both high-value and street-level drug peddlers.
Marcos also reiterated the need to beef up police deployment on the streets to ensure public safety.
“Paigtingin din ninyo ang presensya ng kapulisan sa mga lansangan. Siguruhing mas maraming pulis na umiikot sa mga kalsada at nagbabantay sa ating mga komunidad, lalo na sa lugar na madalas ang krimen at kaguluhan,” Marcos said.
(Strengthen police presence on the streets. Ensure that more officers are patrolling the roads and watching over our communities, especially in areas where crime and unrest are frequent.)
“Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis na agad na reresponde. Iparamdam natin sa mga Pilipino na may pulis na handang dumamay at magtanggol sa kanila sa lahat ng oras,” he added.
(When the people are in need, there should be a police officer ready to respond immediately. Let us make the Filipino people feel that there are police officers who are always ready to help and protect them at all times.)
A graduate of the PNPA Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993, the 55-year-old Torre, who hails from Jolo, Sulu, is the first PNPA alumnus to become PNP chief.
In his assumption speech, Torre introduced three leadership pillars, which include swift and responsive public service; unity and morale within the ranks of police; and accountability and modernization.
He committed to institutionalizing the three-minute police response time in major urban centers nationwide, a program he first implemented as director of the Quezon City Police District.
“We will be present. Makikita niyo kami sa lansangan, sa komunidad, sa palengke, at sa bawat lugar na kinakailangan ng aming presensya para magbigay ng kapanatagan ng kalooban,” Torre said.
(We will be present. You will see us on the streets, in communities, in markets, and in every place where our presence is needed to provide peace of mind.)
“Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, ang batas ay patas, ang serbisyo ay mabilis, at ang kapulisyahan ay karapat-dapat ng inyong tiwala,” he added.
(Under my leadership, the law will be fair, the service swift, and the police force worthy of your trust.)
Torre will serve as PNP chief for one year and nine months before reaching the mandatory retirement age in March 2027. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)