Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III Appointed as New PNP Chief, First from PNPA Ranks

DAVAO CITY (May 29) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Police Major General Nicolas Torre III as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), succeeding General Rommel Marbil, who is set to retire on June 7, 2025. The official turnover ceremony is scheduled for June 2.

Torre’s appointment marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first PNP Chief to hail from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA)—breaking a long-standing tradition of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates leading the country’s top police force.

With over three decades of service, Torre is widely expected to usher in a leadership era focused on integrity, accountability, and modernization of the PNP.

A Legacy Rooted in Service

General Torre comes from a family with deep ties to law enforcement. His father, the late Rodolfo “Dolping” Torre, served as a Master Sergeant in the Philippine Constabulary, the precursor of today’s PNP. His father’s legacy as a Medal of Honor awardee for bravery in service helped shape Torre’s path in law enforcement.

Born on March 11, 1970, in Jolo, Sulu, Torre graduated from PNPA Tagapagtupad Class of 1993. His career trajectory includes command positions across key regions, such as:

• Provincial Director, Samar Provincial Police Office
• Regional Director for Operations, NCRPO
• Director, Quezon City Police District (QCPD)
• Director, PNP Communications and Electronics Service
• Acting Regional Director, Police Regional Office 11 (Davao Region)
• Director, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)

Torre’s leadership has been most visible during high-profile operations. As CIDG Director, he led the 2024 arrest of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy following a standoff in Davao City. Earlier this year, on March 11, 2025, he also supervised the execution of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant that led to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity.

While Torre’s record is marked by decisive action, it hasn’t been without controversy. In August 2023, during his term as QCPD Director, he came under fire for holding a press conference alongside a retired officer involved in a viral road rage incident. This act ultimately led to his resignation.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that Torre’s appointment reflects President Marcos’ preference for performance-based leadership. While the selection criteria were not made public, Bersamin underscored Torre’s proven track record in complex and sensitive operations.

Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos also voiced support, describing Torre as “a man of integrity and action,” lauding his innovative policing strategies, such as deploying drones during operations in Quezon City.

As he assumes command of the PNP, General Torre is expected to prioritize restoring public trust, strengthening the rule of law, and pushing forward institutional reforms. His ascent is seen as a pivotal moment for the PNPA community and a signal of evolving leadership dynamics within the national police force.