Newly appointed Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director PBGen. Nicolas Torre III vows to significantly contribute his perspectives and experiences in the field as he assumes his new position.
Torre, who led the operation resulting in the arrest of the then-fugitive religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, aims to advocate for further enhancements within the team, drawing on his more than 30 years of service.
"Not necessarily reform but maybe an enhancement of the way things are being done. Hindi naman natin masabi talaga na mali ang ginagawa nila ngayon kaya with the enhancement, may mga perspective tayong gagawin based on our experience in the field," Torre said in an exclusive interview with DZRH for Magandang Umaga Pilipinas on Thursday.
"May experience tayong dala-dala na pwede nating mai-share sa mga tao na nandyan sa CIDG and incidentally hindi naman ako bago sa unit na ‘yan," he added.
Torre stated that he was not promised the position, adding, "It is not true until it's true."
Furthermore, Torre expressed his gratitude to Davaoeños and to the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) units, who have shown their support in the mission to apprehend Quiboloy.
He also mentioned that it is time for the Davao Region to shed the label that it is somehow a "puppet" of certain personalities or politicians.
“Maipakita na ang Davao Regional Police, lahat ng pulis sa Davao City or Davao provinces man, na given the right opportunity and situation, maipakita nila na professional pa rin sila. Tapat sa tungkulin at talaga namang nagtatrabaho ng naaayon sa batas,” said Torre.
Meanwhile, he extended his apologies to those who were "hurt" during the operation to arrest Quiboloy. Torre emphasized that they were simply fulfilling their duty and adhering to the law.
"Never that I considered them na kaaway on a personal basis. Hindi sila kaaway ko or kaaway ng organisasyon. Hindi ako nagha-harbor ng ill feelings sa kanila kasi sabi ko nga na those are just the roles that we play and I want to just make them realize na after we played our roles, everything are fine," said Torre.
He further stated that he hopes these individuals will realize that their calls for "justice for Apollo Quiboloy" mean that his arrest marks the beginning of true justice.
As of now, he has not received any marching orders regarding his appointment. A turnover ceremony for the CIDG will take place today at 4 PM, and there will also be a turnover for PRO-11 tomorrow.
