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.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos urged Torre to act decisively in investigating police officers involved in illegal activities. He emphasized the need to speed up investigations into cases involving police officers who break the law to deliver justice promptly. The President also highlighted the importance of increasing police visibility on the streets to ensure immediate response to public needs.
Marcos called for a focused crackdown on illegal drugs, instructing the PNP to collaborate closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). He stressed the importance of bringing both big and small-time drug peddlers to court while reminding police officers to avoid abusing their authority and to be instruments of justice, peace, and progress.
Torre assumed command from Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, whom Marcos lauded for his leadership marked by integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights. Under Marbil’s stewardship, the PNP became a more people-centered, structured, and regulated institution, restoring public confidence in the police force.
Taking over as the 31st chief of the PNP, Torre is noted for his successful leadership in high-profile cases as chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. He is the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy to lead the police force, belonging to the Tagapagpatupad Class of 1993.
President Marcos thanked Marbil for his leadership anchored on integrity, professionalism, and a strong respect for human rights. Marbil played a critical role in national events and was appreciated for making the PNP more responsive and people-centered, thus restoring public trust.
Marbil expressed confidence and optimism that Torre will sustain the gains of the anti-criminality campaign. Having taken command of the PNP on April 1, 2024, Marbil’s term was extended by four months by Marcos amid preparations for the 2025 elections, despite reaching the compulsory retirement age of 56 in February.
