Marbil confident Torre can deliver goods at PNP-CIDG
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil has expressed full confidence on new PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Brigadier Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III’s ability to deliver the goods at the PNP’s premier investigating unit.
Torre became Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 director last June 16, reorganizing the Southern Mindanao police force, including the Davao City Police Office, and leading the efforts to capture fugitive Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy inside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound.
Last Friday, Torre became the 49th chief of the PNP-CIDG with a simple instruction from Gen. Marbil: spearhead a full-scale internal cleanup of the CIDG to restore its integrity and rebuild public confidence.
The top cop tasked Torre to lead the drive and the PNP-CIDG’s effort to account for more wanted persons, loose firearms, organized crime groups, economic saboteurs and other enemies of the state.
“The CIDG must set the highest standard of professionalism and ethical conduct,” said the PNP chief.
Gen. Marbil emphasized the PNP-CIDG’s pivotal role in maintaining the credibility of police investigations and ensuring justice is served.
Thus, he tasked Brig. Gen. Torre to eliminate any internal issues in the unit and go after any of its personnel who would compromise the group’s integrity.
“There’s no room for complacency or misconduct within the CIDG. We must identify and address any wrongdoing, ensuring that the CIDG maintains its critical role in our law enforcement operations,” he said.
This directive is part of Gen. Marbil’s broader campaign for institutional reform within the PNP, focusing on strengthening investigative operations, expediting case resolutions, and fostering greater accountability and transparency across the organization.
“I expect swift and decisive action. Every member of the CIDG must be held accountable for their actions. The public deserves transparency, and we are committed to showing that the PNP stands firmly for the rule of law,” the PNP chief said.
Under Brig. Gen. Torre’s leadership, the CIDG is expected to implement sweeping reforms, including stricter personnel screening, enhanced training and rigorous oversight of all operations to ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards.
“The CIDG is at the core of our investigative efforts, and I’m confident that under Gen. Torre’s leadership, we will see a revitalized, more effective unit that will serve the public with honor and integrity,” Gen. Marbil said.
He also maintained that the PNP remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law and ensure that its personnel exemplify the values of integrity and service to the community.
The Chief Directorial Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Jon A. Arnaldo, presided over the turnover of command between Brig. Gen. Torre and erstwhile PNP-CIDG director, Major Gen. Leo M. Francisco at Camp Crame.
Torre expressed his gratitude to the PNP leadership for their trust and confidence in designating him as the director of the premier PNP investigative unit.
He also acknowledged the significant accomplishments of Maj. Gen. Francisco as he highlighted his familiarity with the unit’s operations, having previously served as its Deputy Director for Operations.
The official also emphasized that unity and teamwork will remain essential to the CIDG’s continued success.
For his part, Maj. Gen. Francisco reflected on his tenure, citing the unit’s major achievements, made possible by the dedication of Team CIDG in dismantling several illegal POGO hubs-turned ‘scam farms ‘ in the country specifically that in Porac, Pampanga and the confiscation of hundreds of millions worth of smuggled cigarettes and illegally refilled liquefied petroleum gas.
The PNP-CIDG was also instrumental in the capture of some of the country’s most wanted terrorists and criminals.
“I couldn’t have achieved this alone. These successes were due to the relentless efforts of the entire CIDG team, from ground operatives to investigators and administrative staff.
It was a collective effort, and I am proud to have led such a dedicated unit,” said Maj. Gen. Francisco.
The PNP’s no. 4 official emphasized Maj. Gen. Francisco’s vital contributions to national security and public safety, noting that these efforts not only protected vulnerable populations but also strengthened the CIDG’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Lt. Gen. Arnaldo also expressed confidence in Brig. Gen. Torre’s capability to lead the CIDG.
