This screengrab from an Instagram story from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Veronica Duterte, shows the then PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III in a tense conversation with members of Duterte’s camp over whether or not the former chief executive could be taken out of Villamor Airbase in Pasay City and made to board a chartered flight to The Hague on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Screengrab from Veronica Duterte/Instagram)
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has described the appointment of Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III to the helm of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as “too sketchy.”
She cited findings from the Senate investigation into the arrest of his father that enabled authorities to bring the former president to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
The vice president made the pronouncement when asked what she thought of Torre’s appointment.
Torre is the same police officer who led the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ: Nicolas Torre III, who led Rodrigo Duterte arrest, is new PNP chief
The vice president questioned Torre’s appointment, citing a Senate panel’s findings, which indicated that the new police chief could be held accountable for multiple offenses related to the arrest.
The probe was led by staunch Duterte ally Sen. Imee Marcos.
READ: Sen. Marcos wants 5 gov’t officials probed over Duterte arrest
“So, why would you make him chief of police? That decision is way too sketchy,” said Duterte in a chance interview in The Hague.
The vice president compared Torre’s appointment to that of Leyte First District Representative Martin Romualdez to the House speakership.
The vice president believes Romualdez should not have been made head of the chamber, as he is implicated in a bribery case in the United States.
Asked what she thinks will happen with the PNP under Torre’s leadership, Duterte responded: “Well, I don’t think our country will become any better or improve because of this.”/apl