Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has thrown his full support behind Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, hailing the newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief as a fearless, results-driven leader who will usher in a “fresh start” for the institution.
“He’s a bulldog, a pitbull. Everyone should be afraid. When you tell General Torre to attack, he attacks,” Remulla said in a dzBB radio interview, underscoring Torre’s aggressive stance against criminality. But he was quick to stress that the new PNP chief’s leadership will still uphold the rule of law. “There will be no extrajudicial killings here.”
Torre, who currently leads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), will formally assume the role on June 2, replacing Gen. Rommel Marbil ahead of his June 7 retirement. He becomes the 31st chief of the national police force.
Torre’s appointment has been widely welcomed, especially by the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association, which described the move as a “historic milestone” — Torre is the first PNP chief to come from the PNPA, graduating from the “Tagapaglunsad” Class of 1993.
“We are confident that under his leadership, the PNP will continue to uphold its mission to serve and protect the Filipino people with honor, professionalism and a renewed sense of integrity,” the group said in a statement.
Human rights advocate and party-list representative-elect Leila de Lima also praised the appointment. “I have full confidence that under his leadership, the PNP can further restore public trust and reaffirm its role as a protector of the people, not of power,” she said, citing Torre’s strong moral compass and fidelity to the Constitution.
Lawmakers echoed similar sentiments. Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia called Torre a “cool nerves of steel” officer known for executing arrest orders even in politically charged situations. Meanwhile, crime watchdog leader Arsenio Evangelista from Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption reminded Torre to “lead by example” and resist political influence. “Most importantly, you should be God-fearing,” he added.
Outgoing chief Marbil expressed confidence that Torre will raise the bar even higher. “I know he’s better than me,” he said, encouraging the police force to unite behind their new leader. He also clarified that Torre’s promotion was based on merit, not politics, amid speculation linking it to high-profile arrests under his command.
As he prepares to hand over the reins, Marbil highlighted the institutional reforms initiated during his term, particularly in security systems and operational protocols at Camp Crame. “You may not see it now, but during General Torre’s time, you’ll feel the results,” he said.
