Vice President’s Reaction to New PNP Chief
Vice President Sara Duterte casually dismissed the appointment of the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Nicolas Torre III, who previously led the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. When asked about Torre’s new role during a press briefing in The Hague on May 31, the Vice President simply laughed and said, “That’s my reaction.”
General Torre will succeed outgoing PNP chief General Rommel Marbil, who is set to retire on June 7. The official turnover of command is scheduled for June 2. Torre is also noted for leading the arrest of controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who faces charges related to child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Support for Former Spokesperson Amid Political Challenges
During the same press conference, Vice President Duterte voiced her support for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who she believes is being politically targeted. The Department of Justice recently filed a request to cancel Roque’s passport, which would leave him without valid travel documents.
Roque is currently facing a standing arrest warrant for qualified human trafficking, linked to his involvement with the Lucky South 99 Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Porac, Pampanga. This facility was raided and shut down last year amid allegations of human trafficking, torture, and fraudulent activities.
The Vice President expressed sympathy for Roque, saying, “Well, yes. Naawa ako kay Atty. Harry Roque dahil sa totoo lang, pakiramdam ko ay yung persecution sa kanya ay dahil sa pagpapakita niya ng suporta kay dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte and siyempre sa Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo.” She also remains confident in Roque’s legal skills and ability to face the charges.
Ongoing Legal Issues and Asylum Request
Roque left the Philippines in November amid a congressional investigation into his role in the POGO operation. He resurfaced in The Hague following the former president’s arrest in March and has since applied for asylum in the Netherlands. His asylum application is still being processed.
Despite the warrant of arrest, authorities have been unable to serve it while the asylum process continues. The Department of Justice plans to seek Interpol’s assistance in serving the warrant once the asylum case concludes.
The Vice President added that she regularly checks on Roque’s welfare and advises him to stay cautious, saying, “Lagi ‘pag nakikita kami, tinatanong ko siya kung kamusta siya. At lagi ko siyang sinasabihan na mag-ingat siya dahil hindi titigil yun sa cancellation lang ng passport niya.”
For more news and updates on Philippine National Police chief appointment, visit Filipinokami.com.