Marbil endorses Torre as next top cop, urges unified support

DAVAO CITY (May 30)  – Outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has given his full backing to his designated successor, Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III praised him as a principled and capable leader. Marbil publicly urged the entire 220,000-strong police force to rally behind Torre’s leadership as he takes the helm of the national police.

Malacañang announced on Thursday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Torre III as the next Chief of the PNP.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the official Change of Command ceremony is set for June 2, ahead of Marbil’s mandatory retirement on June 7, 2025

Torre will be the 31st top cop, succeeding Marbil, who served as the 30th PNP Chief. Torre, 55, is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Tagapagpatupad Class of 1993 and currently directs the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)

He is a seasoned investigator known for handling high-profile cases. As CIDG chief, Torre led primary operations, including the arrest of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy in 2024 and the unprecedented arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for transfer to the International Criminal Court.

His breadth of experience and leadership in these sensitive investigative operations were key factors in his selection, according to officials, though specifics of the appointment process remain confidential.

As he prepares to step down, Marbil expressed profound gratitude to President Marcos and the Filipino people for the trust they have placed in him as PNP chief.

Marbil, who took the reins of the police force in April 2024 and had his term extended to help oversee election preparations, described the opportunity to lead the PNP as an honor. He credited the support of the administration and public for enabling reforms under his watch and vowed continued service to the country even beyond uniformed duty.

Marbil also offered a ringing endorsement of Maj. Gen. Torre’s leadership. “PMGen Torre is a dedicated, experienced, and principled officer. I am confident that he will continue to lead the PNP with integrity and vision,” Marbil said, voicing support for his successor’s character and capabilities

.He called on the PNP rank-and-file to give Torre their full cooperation: “I urge every officer and personnel of the PNP to extend to him the same support and cooperation you have given me.”

Marbil’s appeal underscores a desire for continuity and unity within the police organization as it undergoes this leadership transition.

Incoming Chief Torre brings a robust track record in police administration and operations. The National Police Commission (Napolcom) lauded his “wealth of experience” and “steadfast commitment” to police service and internal reform, noting his exemplary record in restoring discipline and public trust within the ranks.

Torre has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize and clean up the force, goals he is expected to pursue as PNP chief. Outgoing chief Marbil has said he is optimistic Torre will sustain and build on the PNP’s gains in anti-criminality and organizational reforms moving forward

Torre’s tenure in various key posts highlights a balance of strict law enforcement and community-focused policing. Aside from his headline-grabbing investigative exploits, he was earlier recognized as an outstanding city police director for innovative public safety measures. As Quezon City Police District chief, Torre pioneered the use of drone technology to enhance police response and surveillance, a program credited with improving community security and increasing police visibility.

Colleagues describe him as passionate and decisive, attributes that bode well for engaging communities and stakeholders in keeping the peace. “He has the best interest of the…police force and the Filipino people at heart,” Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan noted, recalling Torre’s dedication during his QC police stint.

This blend of internal reforms, practical investigative work, and community engagement experience positions Torre to lead a responsive, credible police institution.

Philippine officials are emphasizing unity and professionalism as the PNP undergoes this change of command, in line with the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) governance agenda, which focuses on transformative and accountable leadership.

Bersamin voiced confidence that the leadership handover will be smooth and morale will remain high, saying the police hierarchy remains composed and “all professionals” despite the change at the top.

No disruption in operations is expected as Torre assumes command, with both the outgoing and incoming chiefs committed to a seamless transition. Marbil’s call for solidarity behind Torre echoes the administration’s emphasis on a cohesive, service-oriented PNP. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. praised the orderly succession and commended Marbil’s service, noting that both men exemplify integrity and dedication to public service.

Meanwhile, current DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla welcomed Torre’s appointment, saying it “reflects a careful assessment of Torre’s strong credentials and exemplary service” and expressing confidence that his leadership will “drive transformation, innovation, and strengthen the PNP’s mandate to serve and protect”

With broad support from the national leadership, the PNP’s new chief is expected to champion a “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of policing – one that upholds professionalism, accountability, and unity in the pursuit of safer communities across the country. Sources: Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s press briefing; PNP and Napolcom official statements