Thank you, Executive Secretary Luc Bersamin, for your introduction. [Please take your seats.]

The Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; Interior and Local Government Secretary, Secretary Jonvic Remulla and other Cabinet members here present; the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner and the Major Service Commanders; outgoing Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil; the newly installed Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police General Nicolas Torre III; officers and civilian employees of the Philippine National Police; ang aking mga kasamahan sa pamahalaan; ang ating mga bisita na dumating ngayon.

Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat!

Today, we witness more than a ceremonial change of command. We come together to reaffirm a shared responsibility: a responsibility to uphold peace, to preserve justice, and to protect the dignity of the Filipino.

Each change in leadership promotes the values that give strength to our institutions. It reflects a clear belief: that lasting progress is grounded in consistent service, accountable governance, and leadership that never forgets its duty to the people.

So, allow me to express the gratitude of a nation to the man who has served with strength and with resolve—Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil. [applause]

General Marbil, you led the PNP with a compass firmly set on integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

In your stewardship, the PNP became a more people-centered, structured, and regulated institution. You guided our officers to serve with integrity, and in doing so, you restored the people’s confidence in the uniform that the police wears.

In moments that tested our resilience—from disaster response to crisis management, from general public safety to the conduct of a credible and peaceful 2025 National and Local Elections—you showed us what a smart, capable leadership looks like.

Sa ilalim ng iyong pamumuno, naging sandigan ng pamahalaan ang kapulisan sa paghahatid ng tulong, pagbibigay ng proteksyon, at pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao.

Ipinakita ng PNP na walang katumbas ang buhay ng tao—mga buhay na nailigtas, napaglingkuran, at natulungang makabangon.

And for this, General Marbil, we are truly grateful. [applause]

As we bid farewell to a leader who has embodied honor and excellence, we welcome one who is equally competent to lead the men and women of the PNP— Police General Nicolas D. Torre III. [applause]

Your assumption of command comes at a time that calls for clarity, for courage, and for conviction. These challenges that we face are evolving—we have transnational crimes, cyber threats, extremist violence, and even police misconduct.

At the same time, the opportunities to earn trust and improve public service have never been more reachable.

Your leadership will help define what kind of police force we continue to build: one that acts with precision, responds with compassion, and stands as a pillar of accountability.

Hamon ko sa’yo: Panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng ating mga kapulisan. Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang maibigay natin ang hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon.

Paigtingin din ninyo ang presensya ng kapulisan sa mga lansangan. Siguruhing mas maraming pulis na umiikot sa mga kalsada at nagbabantay sa ating mga komunidad, lalo na sa lugar na madalas ang krimen at kaguluhan.

Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis na agad na reresponde. Iparamdam natin sa mga Pilipino na may pulis na handang dumamay at magtanggol sa kanila sa lahat ng oras.

Sa tulong ng PDEA, ipagpatuloy ninyo ang paglaban sa illegal na droga. Magsagawa pa rin tayo ng drug seizures at tiyakin na sasampahan ng kaso ang mga drug dealer at ang mga drug lord. Patuloy din kayong magmatyag sa ating mga komunidad para kahit ang small time na mga drug dealers ay wala ring ligtas.

Hindi dapat natatakot ang estudyante, o ang mga manggagawa, motorista, magulang na maglalakad sa kalsada—umaga man o gabi.

Bilang alagad ng batas, inaasahan ang buong kapulisan na kumilos nang marangal, maglingkod nang tapat, at maging sandigan ng ating mga kababayan.

Iwasan ninyo ang paggamit ng pribilehiyo para sa pansariling benepisyo. Maging instrumento kayo [ng] katuwiran, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran.

Continue to engage with communities and partner with local governments and stakeholders. Strengthen your cooperation with all the other agencies. And above all, center every initiative on the needs, the rights, and the welfare of each Filipino.

Let your badge be your daily pledge—not to command—but to serve with integrity. Let every decision uphold the law, and let every gesture reflect the quiet dignity of true public service. May the PNP become a source of hope and reassurance to every community that you protect.

This Change of Command Ceremony is a renewed promise. A clear mandate to champion peace, to serve with honor, and to move our nation forward with dignity.

Together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas—where every citizen is disciplined and obeys the laws; where every police personnel is a role model worthy of trust , of respect; and where the standard of keeping our people safe is high.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang PNP!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]

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