MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially appointed Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, current head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The announcement was made by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 29, 2025.
Torre will replace outgoing PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who is set to retire in the first week of June. The formal turnover of command is scheduled for June 2, 2025.
From CIDG Chief to PNP Leader: A Career Highlight
Before his appointment as PNP Chief, Torre gained prominence as the CIDG Chief, where he spearheaded high-profile arrests including those of former president Rodrigo Duterte and alleged trafficker Apollo Quiboloy.
Torre also led the operation that implemented Duterte’s arrest over the International Criminal Court (ICC) crimes against humanity case in March 2025. Prior to leading the CIDG, he served as Davao Region police chief and led the operation against Quiboloy in 2024.
A Native Mindanaoan with a Strong Police Legacy
A native of Marbel (Koronadal City), South Cotabato, Torre comes from a family with law enforcement roots; his father, Rodolfo Molarto “Dolping” Torre, was a Philippine Constabulary officer.
Torre made history as the first PNP Chief to graduate from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), Class of 1993, ranking 4th in his batch.
Diverse Experience and Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Torre has taken on varied roles including:
- An assignment with the United Nations
- Service in the transportation department
- Work as an air marshal
- Samar provincial police director under Duterte’s administration in 2017
- Head of Quezon City Police District
- Director of the Communications and Electronics Service at PNP Headquarters
Presidential Discretion and Confidential Selection
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin revealed that President Marcos considered five candidates for the PNP chief position but emphasized that the selection is confidential and ultimately the President’s discretion.
Bersamin stated, “No one can question the use of that discretion,” highlighting the President’s absolute authority in appointing the police chief.
What Lies Ahead?
With over 228,000 officers under his command, Torre faces significant challenges leading the country’s police force. President Marcos described him as a “very senior officer” who “knows the situation,” signaling trust in Torre’s capability to guide the PNP amid pressing national security concerns.
The coming months will show how Torre’s leadership style and vast experience will impact the PNP’s operations and public safety efforts.
References:
- Rappler. (2025, May 29). Marcos names CIDG chief Nicolas Torre as new PNP chief. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-names-cidg-chief-nicolas-torre-new-pnp-chief/
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