Adi Joaquim Tolentino

Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, who led the arrests of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy, has been appointed as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).


In a press briefing on May 29, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that Torre will succeed General Rommel Marbil, whose extended term ends on June 7.

“The turnover of command will happen June 2nd,” Bersamin said.

Torre gained national and international attention after leading two high-profile operations in recent years.

On March 11, he oversaw the arrest and turnover of Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over charges of crimes against humanity tied to the war on drugs.

He also led the capture of Quiboloy on September 8, 2024, in Davao City over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.

Bersamin declined to confirm whether these operations influenced the president’s choice but acknowledged their possible weight.

“I'm not going to discount that. But maybe there are other qualities of General Torre that he (Marcos) might have considered,” he said.

He stressed that the selection process is confidential and falls solely under the president’s discretion.

''Wala akong maibigay na detalye diyan ano? You know, the appointment of the officers of the PNP they are to be kept confidential. We should respect that confidentiality. But it's the President's discretion, which I considered to be absolute,” Bersamin stated.

Torre, 54, was born in Jolo, Sulu, and graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy in 1993 with a degree in Public Safety.

He previously served as chief of the Quezon City Police District from August 2022 to August 2023, and as director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service from April to June 2024.

Bersamin said the transition is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader governance agenda.
“This is not a purge. Let me remind you of that,” he emphasized.

“This effort is the president’s commitment to a government that works fast, delivers results, and meets the expectations of the Filipino people,” he added.

Bersamin dismissed concerns of unrest within the police force, saying the officers are “professionals” and the appointment would not lead to demoralization.