General Nicolas Torre III is the 31st Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), officially appointed on June 2, 2025. He made history as the first PNP chief who graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), marking a break from the long-standing tradition of appointing PNP heads from the military. Known for his firm leadership, reform-oriented vision, and high-profile law enforcement operations, General Torre has become one of the most prominent and discussed figures in contemporary Philippine policing.
Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicolas Deloso Torre III |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Jolo, Sulu, Philippines |
| Hometown | Koronadal, South Cotabato |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Education | – Electronics & Communications (Mapúa Institute, partial) – PNPA “Tagapaglunsad” Class of 1993 |
| Profession | Law Enforcement Officer |
| Current Rank | General |
| Current Position | Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP) |
| Date Appointed as PNP Chief | June 2, 2025 |
| Historic First | First PNP Chief from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) |
| Previous Key Roles | – Director, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – Regional Director, PRO-11 (Davao) – Chief, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) |
| Notable Operations | – Arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy – Arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte |
| Known For | Integrity, discipline, human rights advocacy, reform-oriented leadership |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married (private about family details) |
| Parents | Rodolfo Torre (father, late), Julia Deloso Torre (mother) |
| Leadership Focus | Fast response times, human rights compliance, police discipline |
| Languages Spoken | English, Filipino |
Early Life and Education
Nicolas Torre III was born on March 11, 1970, in Jolo, Sulu, and spent most of his formative years in Koronadal, South Cotabato. He is the eldest of five siblings. His father, Rodolfo “Dolping” Torre, was a master sergeant in the Philippine Constabulary, while his mother, Julia Deloso Torre, worked as a schoolteacher. From a young age, Torre demonstrated discipline, intellectual curiosity, and leadership potential.
He graduated as valedictorian from his elementary school, Notre Dame of Marbel, and as salutatorian from Koronadal National Comprehensive High School. Initially, Torre pursued electronics and communications engineering at the Mapúa Institute of Technology, where he completed 72 units. This background helped him qualify for admission into the Philippine National Police Academy.
In 1989, he joined the PNPA under the “Tagapaglunsad” Class of 1993 and graduated near the top of his class. His PNPA training and academic excellence laid the groundwork for what would become a distinguished and groundbreaking police career.
General Nicolas Torre Police Career and Rise to Leadership
After graduating from the PNPA, Torre entered the Philippine National Police in 1993. His early assignments took him to several provinces and regions, including Samar, Batangas, Pampanga, the MIMAROPA region, and urban centers such as Quezon City and Central Luzon.
One of his more visible assignments came in August 2022, when he was appointed as the chief of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). However, his time in this role ended with a voluntary resignation following public criticism related to a controversial press conference he held for a former police officer involved in a road rage incident.
Despite this setback, Torre’s career continued its upward trajectory. He was later assigned as regional director of the Davao Police Regional Office (PRO-11) in 2024. During his tenure there, he led a high-stakes operation that resulted in the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of a large religious organization, who faced serious human trafficking and abuse charges. The operation, which was tense and high-profile, was resolved without violence, earning Torre both public praise and media attention.
Later, in September 2024, Torre was appointed director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Under his command, the CIDG made major arrests, including the controversial and historic apprehension of former President Rodrigo Duterte following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. He also oversaw the arrest of a Russian-American vlogger who had been charged with inappropriate behavior toward Filipinos during livestreams.
These bold and legally complex actions helped build Torre’s reputation as a fearless, law-abiding leader who believed in equality before the law regardless of status or political affiliation.
Appointment as Chief of the PNP
On May 29, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Nicolas Torre III as the 31st Chief of the Philippine National Police. He assumed the role on June 2, 2025, making history as the first PNPA graduate to lead the institution.
Upon his appointment, Torre immediately began implementing reforms to restore public trust in the PNP. One of his first directives was the establishment of a five-minute emergency response standard for police officers. He also ordered the dismantling of unused and obsolete police outposts to improve resource allocation and visibility.
In addition to operational reforms, Torre emphasized the importance of human rights. He publicly stated that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) was a vital institution and “our boss” in matters relating to human rights protection. His statements signaled a clear intent to rebuild institutional credibility, particularly in the wake of previous controversies surrounding the police.
Torre’s leadership style combines discipline with strategic innovation. When publicly challenged by an acting mayor in Davao City to a fistfight during a political disagreement, Torre defused the situation with wit by proposing a charity boxing match instead though the mayor later withdrew. Torre, ever professional, declined to escalate the conflict and maintained his focus on institutional leadership.
General Nicolas Torre Family and Personal Life
Despite holding a high-profile public role, General Torre remains private about his personal life. He is married and has children, although he avoids publicizing specific details about his family. He has often mentioned that his parents were the most significant influences in his life his father for his military discipline and sacrifice, and his mother for her strong moral foundation and encouragement of education.
His father, Rodolfo Torre, was assassinated in 1990. This tragedy had a profound impact on Nicolas, motivating his deep commitment to law enforcement and justice. To this day, Torre honors his father’s memory through his service and dedication to public safety.
A devout Christian, Torre’s faith plays a central role in his life and leadership. He believes that authority must always be exercised with humility, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility. Colleagues and subordinates often describe him as soft-spoken but firm, deeply principled, and unafraid to make difficult decisions for the greater good.
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FAQs
Who is General Nicolas Torre III?
He is the current Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the first graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy to hold this position.
When was he appointed as PNP Chief?
He was appointed on May 29, 2025, and officially assumed office on June 2, 2025.
What are some high-profile operations he led?
He led the arrests of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former President Rodrigo Duterte, among other major operations during his time in the CIDG and Davao region.
What reforms has he introduced as PNP Chief?
General Torre has introduced rapid emergency response standards, dismantled underused outposts, and strengthened collaboration with human rights bodies like the Commission on Human Rights.
What is his educational background?
He studied electronics and communications engineering before graduating from the PNPA “Tagapaglunsad” Class of 1993.
What values guide his leadership?
His leadership is guided by discipline, integrity, human rights, and a strong Christian faith.
Is he from a military family?
Yes, his father was a master sergeant in the Philippine Constabulary, which deeply influenced his path in public service.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @nicolastorreiii
