Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has called on Filipinos joining the upcoming nationwide rallies against corruption to exercise both courage and responsibility as they take to the streets.
In a Facebook post, Torre underscored that Sunday’s demonstrations are a chance for citizens to make their voices heard. “Galit na ang tao sa korapsiyon. Sawang sawa na tin tayo sa panlilinlang. Bukas, sa mga rally, ipakita natin ang lakas ng taumbayan,” he declared.
But while he encouraged mass participation, Torre reminded protesters to keep the movement peaceful and principled. “Gawin natin ito nang maingat, responsable, at mapayapa. Ating tandaan, ang tunay na pagbabago ay hindi nagmumula sa karahasan, kundi sa pagkakaisa,” he said. He added, “Ako po si Gen. Nicolas Torre III, kasama n’yo laban sa korupsiyon at pang-aapi.”
A short but turbulent leadership
Torre’s appeal comes less than a month after he was removed as PNP chief—a position he held for only 85 days, making him the shortest-serving head of the police force in history. His tenure ended following a dispute with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) over a controversial reshuffling of senior PNP officials. Among those affected was Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who would eventually take over Torre’s post as acting chief.
Despite his brief leadership, Torre made history as the first PNP chief to come from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA). During his term, he introduced a five-minute response rule for emergency 911 calls, highlighted human rights accountability within the police force, and even gained public attention for a charity boxing match against Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte—whom Torre was declared to have defeated by default after Duterte failed to show up.
