House members say PH security under capable hands with Torre

House members say PH security under capable hands with Torre

/ 06:15 PM May 29, 2025

The country’s security is under capable hands after the designation of Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, House of Representatives lawmakers said on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, CIDG chief —File photo by Lyn Rillon | Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s security is under capable hands after the designation of Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, House of Representatives lawmakers said on Thursday.

In a statement, the House’s Young Guns bloc said that they back President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint Torre to the top police spot, as the country needs a humane way of leading the PNP while implementing the law.

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Among the Young Guns bloc members who supported Torre’s appointment are Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun, La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Francisco Ortega V, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Manila 1st District Rep. Ernest Dionisio.

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“We are fully and 100 percent behind President Bongbong Marcos’ decision to appoint Gen. Torre as PNP Chief. At a time when strong and compassionate leadership is needed within our police force, this sends a clear message: we are in good, capable hands,” the lawmakers said in a mix of Filipino and English.

“His career has been defined by courage, integrity and an unyielding commitment to justice. We believe his leadership will inspire confidence not only within the PNP but also among the Filipino people,” they added.

Torre’s designation as PNP chief was announced by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in a Thursday afternoon briefing.

READ: Major General Nicolas Torre named new PNP chief 

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According to the lawmakers, Torre has shown that he is able to uphold the rule of law without being intimidated or coerced by influential people or those in power.

“His stand is unbending, which is why we need this kind of leader in our PNP. No matter who is involved or how high-ranking they may be, he doesn’t back down. This is proof of his integrity and dedication to service,” they said in Filipino.

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“We look forward to a PNP that not only enforces the law but also earns the trust and respect of the communities it serves,” they added.

Former senator Leila de Lima, who will have a seat in the 20th Congress by virtue of the ML party-list’s victory in the 2025 midterm elections, said she is confident that Torre will be able to restore the public’s trust in the PNP.

“This new responsibility comes at a time when the country yearns for institutions that serve with integrity, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and safety of every Filipino. I have full confidence that under PMGen. Torre’s leadership, the PNP can further restore public trust and reaffirm its role as a protector of the people — not of power,” de Lima said.

“PMGen. Torre has shown courage and fidelity to his oath in moments that have tested the principles of law enforcement. I trust that he will bring the same clarity of purpose and steadiness of hand in his stewardship of the police force, guided not by political allegiance but by his sworn duty to the Constitution and the Republic,” she added.

Torre has held key positions in the PNP, having been assigned to head the Quezon City Police District, an office in the National Capital Region Police Office, and then the Davao Police Regional Office.  He also figured in different high-profile police operations, like the manhunt for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder and televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.

Last September 2024, Torre led the Davao Police Regional Office in a 16-day operation to search for Quiboloy, who was facing child abuse and human trafficking cases.  Torre said on September 3 that it might take around a month to search the intricate networks of rooms and passageways inside the KJC compound, where Quiboloy was believed to be hiding.

After the successful operation which led to Quiboloy’s surrender, Torre was promoted, named acting director of PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

READ: Police official who led hunt for Quiboloy promoted 

Then as CIDG chief, Torre and his men were responsible for assisting the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) when it enforced an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest order against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The arrest order was related to the crimes against humanity charges against Duterte, for his role in his administration’s drug war.

Duterte last March 11 was barred by local police from leaving the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after coming from Hong Kong, and was escorted instead to the Villamor Air Base.

READ: CIDG chief Torre defends actions in Duterte’s arrest

Earlier, no less than House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez lauded Torre’s appointment, describing the police official as a “a no-nonsense leader with the courage, integrity, and operational command needed” to steer the PNP during a crucial time.

According to Romualdez, Torre has proven himself to be a steady presence during crucial scenarios, ensuring that operations are implemented within the bounds of law.

“General Torre’s steady hand in critical situations shows he is not only unafraid to act, but also committed to doing so within the bounds of the law. That kind of leadership is rare, and exactly what the police force needs today,” Romualdez said.

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“We are fully behind General Torre’s vision of a PNP that is professional, transparent and people-centered. The challenges ahead are immense, but with the right leadership, we can build a safer, more just Philippines,” he added.

TAGS: House of Representatives, PNP‎, PNP chief

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