Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has expressed full confidence in newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Major General Nicolas Torre III, describing him as a no-nonsense leader who gets things done.

“When the President says ‘make the streets safer,’ you can count on it — General Torre gets things done,” Remulla said in a radio interview on Saturday.

He praised Torre’s decisiveness and drive. “What I like about him is he finishes the job, no excuses.”

Remulla also shared a personal side of the new PNP chief, revealing that Torre’s strong commitment to protecting people runs deep—his father, a police officer, was assassinated while serving in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat.

He confirmed that Torre has received his marching orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., adding, “He has a good rapport with the President.”

With Torre leading the police force, Remulla said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) looks forward to stronger coordination with the PNP.

In a statement, he said: “The department is confident that Torre’s leadership will bring transformation, innovation, and reinforce the PNP’s mission to serve and protect.”

Fellow general on Torre: ‘He knows the ground’

A police general, who asked not to be named, told Daily Tribune that Torre is a fitting choice who well deserves to lead the PNP.

“He’s earned the respect and trust of both the officers and non-officers throughout a career marked by professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for the police force,” the general said.

“His track record says a lot about his integrity and commitment,” he added.

What sets Torre apart, the general said, is his grasp of what’s really happening on the ground.

“He knows the realities our cops face every day. He feels the pulse of the organization. He understands what every officer is going through,” he said. “His mastery of both strategy and execution in policing is outstanding. With him in charge, I believe the PNP will become even stronger, more responsive, and better aligned with the needs of both its personnel and the public.”

Challenges facing force

The PNP remains the country’s first line of defense in keeping the streets safe—but behind the scenes, the force is grappling with long-standing and emerging challenges. Corruption and trust issues continue to plague it.

Despite reforms, rogue officers involved in drug recycling, extortion, or abuse of power have dented public confidence in the force. The shadow of the Duterte-era war on drugs, where thousands were killed in supposed shootouts, still looms large, and concerns about human rights violations remain in the spotlight.

Accountability within the force is also a major concern. The PNP’s internal watchdog struggles with independence and effectiveness, leading to slow or inconclusive investigations of misconduct.