Cebu City police welcome new PNP chief Nicolas Torre III

THE Cebu City police welcomed the appointment of the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Police General Nicolas Torre III, who replaced the now-retired Police General Rommel Marbil.

Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa extended his congratulations to Torre, describing him as a police official who is dedicated to work, saying most of his assignments have been in operations.

Figueroa said Torre’s programs are not new to him since he once served under Torre when they were assigned to the Quezon City Police District.

One of Torre’s key policies is the three-minute response time to any alarm, a system already being implemented by the Cebu City police. This policy is expected to be implemented nationwide under Torre’s leadership, prompting the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to begin preparations.

Figueroa has tasked the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit and Mobile Patrol Unit to be the first responders to alarms within three minutes — something they have already started practicing through simulation exercises.

“Trabaho naman po talaga natin yan ng ating kapulisan na manghuli ng kriminal, so we will double our effort dito sa Cebu City and we will exhaust all our resources para yan po ay ating ma-comply,” said Figueroa.

(Catching criminals is really our job as police officers, so we will double our efforts here in Cebu City and exhaust all our resources to comply with this.)

As part of the preparations, Torre is expected to visit Central Visayas soon. He is known for checking on all police units and their readiness — often suddenly grabbing a handheld radio to call the nearest station, which must respond immediately.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7), through its chief, Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, also expressed congratulations.

“The men and women of PRO 7 join me in extending our congratulations on the occasion of your appointment as the Chief PNP! As you take command, may your leadership be marked with excellence, justice, and unwavering service and dedication to the people,” Maranan said in a message to Torre.

Figueroa also emphasized that they are ready to follow and implement any orders from the new PNP chief. (AYB)