Torre's appointment as PNP chief hailed

Saying that his "record speaks for itself," House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed on Thursday afternoon, May 29, the appointment of Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

“General Torre is stepping into this role with a record that speaks for itself. He is a principled and fearless officer, the kind of leader the PNP needs to restore credibility, enforce the law without fear or favor, and protect the Filipino people with professionalism and respect,” Romualdez said in a statement.

Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, described Torre as a no-nonsense leader with the courage, integrity, and operational command needed to lead the force at a crucial time.

It can be recalled that Torre played a prominent role in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, as he assisted elements of the International Police (Interpol) last March in capturing the latter here in the country.

Ex-president Duterte is facing a charge of crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody war on drugs that allegedly claimed 30,000 lives.

Romualdez said that despite intense public scrutiny and political pressure, Torre remained steadfast in upholding the law while carrying out high-profile missions

“General Torre's steady hand in critical situations shows he is not only unafraid to act, but also committed to doing so within the bounds of the law. That kind of leadership is rare, and exactly what the police force needs today.”