Manila, Philippines — In a stunning political shake-up, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially appointed General Rommel Francisco Marbil Torre as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) — a move that many are calling a direct challenge to Duterte loyalists and DDS hardliners.

This unexpected yet calculated appointment is now sending shockwaves across both the police and political arenas, with supporters of the previous administration questioning what this could mean for the future of law enforcement, accountability, and influence within the PNP.

🚨 WHO IS TORRE? The General with a Quiet Reputation — Until Now

Gen. Torre, known for his low-profile but disciplined leadership style, has long been seen as a “clean cop” — one who steered clear of partisan allegiances even during the height of the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs.

Insiders claim he was deliberately kept on the sidelines in previous years due to his refusal to align with powerful political blocs. Now, with Marcos Jr. placing him at the helm of the PNP, many believe the tides are turning.

“This is a message,” one political analyst noted. “Marcos is consolidating his own power — and he’s cleaning house.”

💣 DDS Allies Rattled: End of Influence?

Duterte supporters — popularly known as DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters) — are reportedly in panic mode. For years, the top ranks of the PNP were filled with generals perceived to be loyal to former President Rodrigo Duterte, many of whom were staunch enforcers of the bloody and controversial anti-drug campaign.

With Torre’s appointment, some netizens believe this marks the end of the Duterte grip on the police force.

“Wala nang ‘untouchable’ ngayon. The Marcos camp is flexing,” one netizen tweeted.
“Watch out, mga DDS — this might be your wake-up call,” said another.

🎥 Social Media Reacts: “PANOORIN NYO TO, MGA DDS!”

Within minutes of the announcement, hashtags like #TorrePNPChief, #GoodbyeDDS, and #PNPCleansed began trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Political vloggers, influencers, and opposition supporters released celebratory content — with one viral TikTok saying:

“This is it! The silent general just flipped the script. DDS, panoorin niyo ‘to hanggang dulo — tapos na ang laban n’yo!”

Meanwhile, Marcos supporters claim this is a strategic move to restore professionalism and credibility within the PNP, something critics say was severely damaged under Duterte’s militarized style of policing.

⚖️ Is This the Start of a New Era — Or the Beginning of a Power Struggle?

Torre’s clean image and reformist tone may signal a more community-based, rights-conscious approach to policing — but political analysts warn that remnants of Duterte’s influence still run deep in the institution.

“Replacing a chief is one thing. Transforming a deeply politicized police force is another,” said a security expert.
“But Torre has the integrity to try.”

Final Word: A Tectonic Shift in Power?

As Torre steps into the top post, all eyes will be on how he handles internal corruption, drug operations, and political pressure. Will he become the symbol of a new, apolitical, and accountable PNP? Or will the ghosts of the past still haunt his command?

One thing’s clear: The Duterte era’s stronghold on the police may have just been cracked wide open.

And to the DDS? As social media says —
“WATCH THIS. The game has changed.”

Supalpal: Baste Duterte slams PNP Chief Nicolas Torre, ‘back to you’
THE new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III SUPALPADED Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte.

The son of former President Rodrigo Duterte “backed to you” when he questioned the appointment of Torre as the new PNP chief.

Mayor Baste boldly criticized Torre in his speech in The Hague, Netherlands. He said that the appointment of the general as PNP chief was not based on merit.

“You have a Chief PNP who jumped three ranks to become Chief PNP, it’s because this is not a merit-based promotion. It’s a favor-based promotion,” Baste said.

Torre also lashed out at Baste when he spoke to the media yesterday, June 4. He did indeed slam the Davao mayor.

“Just rewind a little bit about his father’s term as to who was the first Chief PNP. What was the rank of the first Chief PNP and what was my rank before I became Chief PNP? It goes back to him.

“The first Chief PNP of his father is a one-star who became an automatic four-star (general). Did he question that?” Torre asked Digong’s son.

If you recall, Sen. Bato dela Rosa was the first PNP Chief appointed under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Sen. Bato was then tasked with implementing the “war on drugs” or better known as “Oplan Tokhang” where many alleged drug dealers and addicts were killed.