By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Clean up the police force, act swiftly against erring officers, and ensure the police remain a source of public reassurance and protection.
These were among President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm marching orders to new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who officially took over the reins of the 231,000-strong police force on Monday.
“Panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng kapulisan (Keep the police ranks clean and honorable),” Marcos said during the PNP change of command ceremony in Camp Crame.
Marcos urged Torre to act decisively in investigating police officers involved in illegal activities.
“Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang maibigay natin ang hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon (Speed up investigations into cases involving police officers who break the law so we can deliver justice as soon as possible),” he said.
The President also stressed the importance of increasing police visibility in the streets.
“Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis na agad na reresponde (When the public needs help, there should be police officers ready to respond immediately).”
Marcos also called for a focused crackdown on illegal drugs, instructing the PNP to work closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in going after big and small-time drug peddlers and in ensuring that they will be brought to court.
He then reminded police officers to avoid abusing their authority.
“Iwasan ninyo ang paggamit ng pribilehiyo para sa pansariling benepisyo. Maging instrumento kayo ng katuwiran, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran (Do not use your privilege for personal gain. Be instruments of justice, peace, and progress),” the President said.
Torre assumed command from Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, whom Marcos lauded for his leadership marked by integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
“Under your stewardship, the PNP became a more people-centered, structured, and regulated institution. You guided your officers to serve with integrity, and in doing so, you restored the people’s confidence in the uniform the police wear,” the President said.
Marcos concluded by framing the change in leadership as more than a ceremonial transition, but a “renewed promise.”
“A clear mandate to champion peace, serve with honor, and move our nation forward with dignity,” he said.
“Let your badge be your daily pledge—not to command—but to serve with integrity.”
Taking over as the 31st chief of the PNP, Torre is known for successfully leading high-profile cases as chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, including the arrests of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
He is the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy to lead the police force, belonging to the Tagapagpatupad Class of 1993.
Transformation
President Marcos thanked Marbil for his leadership anchored on integrity, professionalism, and a strong respect for human rights.
The President lauded Marbil for making the PNP more people-centered and responsive, restoring public trust and playing a critical role in national events such as disaster response and election security.
“Ipinakita ng PNP na walang katumbas ang buhay ng tao — mga buhay na nailigtas, napaglingkuran, at natulungang makabangon (The PNP has shown that human lives are priceless—lives saved, served, and helped to recover),” the President said.
For his part, Marbil said he fulfilled his job as the country’s top cop, expressing optimism that Torre will sustain the gains of the anti-criminality campaign.
“I do so with confidence and optimism. He is a proactive, hardworking, and dedicated leader and I am certain that the PNP will continue to thrive under his command,” Marbil said,
“Gen. Torre, congratulations. I wish you all the best as you take on this immense responsibility. The men and women of the PNP will continue to be your greatest strength as they have been mine.”
Marbil took command of the PNP on April 1, 2024.
He was set to retire when he reached the compulsory retirement age of 56 last Feb. 7, but Marcos extended his term by four months amid the agency’s preparations for the 2025 elections. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
