President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is reviewing a shortlist of candidates to succeed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, whose term ends on 7 June after a four-month extension due to the election ban on appointments.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Sunday that the shortlist is now in the President’s hands, though he declined to reveal the names under consideration.

Among those reportedly being considered is Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the current PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, and Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Torre ready

Maj. Gen. Torre, for his part, said he would accept the post if chosen by the President. “It’s the President’s call. But I’m always ready to follow whatever leadership decides,” he said in a radio interview after receiving recognition from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) for his leadership and reform efforts.

Torre, praised by VACC Chair Boy Evangelista as a leader with “courage, heart, and political will,” has been vocal about his efforts to boost discipline, strengthen police presence, and ensure faster response times. He piloted the "three-minute response" program in Quezon City and Davao, which he says supports the President’s call for more efficient policing.

He also expressed support for the PNP’s internal cleansing drive under Marbil’s leadership, calling for stricter discipline and cleaner recruitment processes. Torre added that ongoing upgrades to the PNP’s 911 emergency system and command center are part of his broader push for a more responsive and tech-enabled police force.