By order of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Police General Nicolas D. Torre III formally assumed command as the 31st Chief of the Philippine National Police during the Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Crame.
A proud son of Jolo, Sulu, who was raised in South Cotabato, and a member of PNPA “Tagapaglunsad” Class of 1993, he makes history as the first PNPA alumnus to lead the 231,000-strong Philippine National Police.
With over three decades of service, PGen Torre held key positions including Provincial Director of Samar and Batangas, Deputy Director of the PNPA, District Director of the Quezon City Police District, and Director of the Communications and Electronics Service.
He is widely recognized for pioneering modern policing strategies, including drone-assisted patrols, the full integration of body-worn cameras in law enforcement operations, and the implementation of the nationally adopted 3-minute response time policy.
Before his appointment as the 31st Chief of the PNP, he served as the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 11 and Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, further demonstrating his commitment to upholding justice and public safety.
In his assumption message, PGen Torre outlined a leadership framework founded on three key pillars: swift and responsive public service, unity and morale within the ranks, and accountability through modernization. He emphasized that every Filipino deserves a rapid and efficient police response, vowing to institutionalize a three-minute emergency response time in major urban areas—an initiative he had successfully implemented in Quezon City.
“This is not just a benchmark—it is a lifeline,” he said, committing to strengthen police visibility and presence in streets, markets, and communities to provide safety and peace of mind.
Equally central to his leadership is the belief that the strength of the organization lies in the unity and well-being of its personnel. PGen Torre called for discipline, mutual respect, and leadership by example, and assured police personnel of access to the best training, guidance, and support. “Those who are asked to give all also deserve nothing less in return,” he said.
His third focus is on accountability and modernization, pledging to align the PNP’s systems with the national reform agenda. He committed to upgrading investigative tools and adopting innovations that not only enhance efficiency but also safeguard civil rights.
Under his leadership, appointments and assignments will be strictly based on merit and performance. “Real talk lamang. No need for endorsements under my leadership,” he declared, promising that only the most competent will be entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
PGen Torre also called on the entire police force to take pride in doing extraordinary things for the people, emphasizing that genuine service will always be recognized and rewarded. He reiterated his commitment to impartial law enforcement, stating that all laws will be applied equally, regardless of status or nationality.
With deep appreciation for his predecessor and the legacy laid down before him, PGen Torre stood in unity with the men and women of the PNP, declaring readiness to face the challenges ahead. As he leads the PNP into a new chapter, his call is clear: to respond swiftly to the needs of the people, to strengthen the bond within the ranks, and to uphold a standard of integrity and justice that every Filipino deserves.
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PGen Nicolas D. Torre III, enters a new era—one driven by merit, service, and a deep commitment to the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.
