Historic Appointment of First PNPA Graduate Police Chief
President Marcos has made a historic decision by appointing the first Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) graduate to lead the country’s police force, which numbers over 230,000 personnel. Since the establishment of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under Republic Act 6975 in 1991, all 30 chiefs of the police force, including the current chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, have been graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, a member of PNPA Class 1993, breaks this tradition as the first “Lakan” or PNPA alumnus to be named chief.
Torre currently heads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and will officially assume the role of the 31st Chief of the PNP on June 7, following Marbil’s retirement. He will serve until March 11, 2027, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Endorsements from Former Leaders and Leadership Style
Among those praising the appointment was a former head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, who described Torre as “a man of integrity and action” with the qualities needed to guide the police force effectively. Sources familiar with the matter highlighted Torre’s extensive experience, discipline, and strong character as essential to advancing the PNP.
The same source recalled working closely with Torre during the operation to apprehend Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy last September. Despite intense pressure, Torre remained calm and decisive, demonstrating remarkable courage and integrity. “He will lead by example. Torre’s leadership will deepen trust and discipline in the ranks,” the source added.
Innovation and Past Achievements
Torre’s innovative approach also sets him apart. While serving as Quezon City police chief, he earned recognition for pioneering the use of drones to improve police response times and enhance surveillance capabilities. This forward-thinking leadership is seen as exactly what the PNP requires today.
In addition to the Quiboloy arrest, Torre played a significant role in the apprehension and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Netherlands, where Duterte faces a crimes against humanity case.
Background and Career Highlights
Nicknamed “Nicolas the Bold,” Torre has proven his resilience and dedication to justice. He once stood firm when a Davao City official threatened to slap him amid his efforts to remove police commanders for dishonesty and failure to respond promptly to crimes.
Born in Jolo, Sulu, Torre credits his father for inspiring his police career and his mother, a teacher, for shaping his strong moral compass. Academically, he excelled early on, graduating as valedictorian in elementary and salutatorian in high school. He began studies in Electronics and Communications Engineering at the Mapua Institute of Technology before entering PNPA, where he ranked fourth among 90 cadets in 1993.
Torre holds three master’s degrees in Public Administration, Business Administration, and Educational Management. Throughout his police training, including intelligence and urban counter-revolutionary courses, he consistently ranked at the top.
His career spans multiple leadership roles across the country, including chief of police in Mabalacat, Pampanga, and Batangas City, provincial director of Samar, and police regional office chief information officer in Calabarzon. As Quezon City Police District director, he successfully implemented a three-minute police response policy.
For more news and updates on Philippine National Police Academy graduate, visit Filipinokami.com.