President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Chief Major General Nicolas Torre III as the next head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) based on “merit and professionalism,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said.
At a Palace briefing, Bersamin explained that promotions are based on merit. He revealed the President had to choose from five candidates for the top PNP post.
“He considered, to my recollection, five names… but as of this time, the decision was already made and it favored the Police Major General Torre,” according to him.
Torre will replace PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, who is set to retire next week. He will officially assume the post on June 2.
When asked if Torre’s recent high-profile operations influenced the appointment, Bersamin said that Marcos Jr. always demands strong performance.
“Alam mo si Presidente always demands performance. Kahit na ano iyong pinagawa sa iyo, you must exhibit a high degree level of performance,” the official explained.
“He (Torre) was given an assignment. He went at it like it was an ordinary thing. Very professional.”
Bersamin also dismissed concerns that the appointment would cause demoralization among other contenders. “They are all very great professionals, very decorated individuals, so they just follow the Commander-in-Chief or what the President desires,” he said.IMT
