Torre: PNP appointments to be based on merit, ‘pogi points not enough’
Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III. —File photo from a videograb by Niño Jesus Orbeta | Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — New Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Monday said appointments in the agency during his term would be “based on merit.”
“Under my leadership, action will be rewarded. Pogi points are not enough,” Torre said in his speech after taking command of the national police force in a ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
In colloquial Filipino, “pogi points” refers to men’s actions that earn admiration.
“Appointments will be based solely on merit, and only the most competent will be entrusted with the right positions in the right places. Deliver excellence in your police work… And you will be recognized and rewarded,” Torre also said.
He also unveiled his plans for the PNP, which are centered on speeding up emergency response, reinforcing unity and morale among its ranks, further modernizing its technology, and holding erring officers accountable.
READ: Torre unveils plans for PNP: 3-minute emergency response, tech upgrades
“Respond to the public swiftly, unite and uplift the morale of your fellow public servants, and hold yourself and others within the ranks accountable. Just real talk. No need for endorsements under my leadership,” Torre said.
“Of course, I have to reiterate that all of these actions must be done within the ambit of the law, evidence-based, and rights-respecting. I challenge each and every member of the PNP to be louder than me, not only in words but also in action,” he added.
READ: PNP chief Marbil ‘optimistic’ Torre will ‘sustain gains’ vs crime
Appointment
Torre succeeded 30th PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, who retired on Monday.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced Torre’s appointment as the nation’s top cop in a Palace briefing last Thursday
Before becoming the 31st PNP chief, Torre was both the director of the Davao Region police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
READ: Torre earned PNP post on merit, not on Duterte arrest – Marbil
In September 2024, he led the enforcement of the arrest warrant for preacher Apollo Quiboloy, who faces allegations of child abuse, sexual abuse, and qualified trafficking.
Last March, Torre was the ground commander of the police team that arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte and handed him over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, to face allegations of crimes against humanity during his administration’s drug war./mcm
