VP Duterte laughs off Torre's appointment as PNP chief

National

VICE President Sara Duterte let out a loud “hahaha” when asked to comment on the appointment of Police Major General Nicolas Torre III as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“That’s my reaction,” said Duterte as she giggled while answering the question in a press briefing.

The vice president, who was in The Hague, Netherlands, celebrating her birthday with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, offered no further comment despite follow-up questions, responding only with laughter and a brief “next question.”

Torre formally took over command of the 231,000-strong police force on Monday, succeeding General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who officially stepped down during a change of command ceremony at Camp Crame.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who presided over the event, issued clear instructions to Torre: maintain the integrity of the police force, take swift action against officers involved in illegal activity, and increase police presence in communities.

He emphasized the importance of conducting timely investigations into erring personnel to deliver justice efficiently.

Marcos also called on the PNP to collaborate closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in targeting both high- and low-level drug offenders, and to avoid abuse of power or privilege for personal gain.

“Our mandate is a clear one—to champion peace, serve with honor, and move our nation forward with dignity,” the President said in an Inquirer.net report.

Torre previously served as director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, where he oversaw major operations, including the serving of a warrant to former President Rodrigo Duterte, in coordination with the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime and the International Criminal Police Organization.

Marbil, in an earlier interview, said Torre’s appointment was based on leadership qualifications and not connected to any particular case. He noted that the police were fulfilling their duty to assist in the execution of a lawful warrant and added that criticism was part of the job.

“He was selected as the next top cop for his leadership, not as a reward,” Marbil said.

Torre is the 31st chief of the PNP and the first graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy to assume the post. He belongs to the academy’s Tagapagpatupad Class of 1993.(MyTVCebu)