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Race for the top PNP post: UNCOVERING THE PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF MAJ. GEN. NICOLAS DELOSO TORRE III

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(Editor’s Note: As the nation expects the change of the top leadership at the Philippine National Police, a deeper understanding of the would-be top choices will be under the radar.

In this story, we will be featuring one topnotch police official who has made a name as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s possible pick.)

By the Luzonwide News Correspondent Team

DUBBED as a determined, undaunted, and firm police officer, Police Major General Nicolas Deloso Torre III is nearing the peak of his career as a 55-year-old director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). And good fate lies ahead.

Born on March 11, 1970 in Jolo, Sulu, General Torre is a Filipino police major general who graduated at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) under Class 1993.

His colorful career has spanned decades that catapulted him to different places such as chief of police in Samar province, Quezon City, and Davao Region.

Making waves for being unperturbed, Torre III led the police in attempts to serve an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, who was charged with human trafficking.

Even former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was not spared by Torre’s act to implement the law when he arrested the former based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity in March 2025.

Praises from netizens, groups

This has earned him praises from netizens and groups who vouched for him as the next PNP chief.

A youth group, Kabataan ng Bagong Pilipinas: “Kung sakali si General Torre ang ipalit, wala siyang uurungan kahit sino pa yan! (If ever General Torre will be the one to be picked, he will not turn back to anyone!)

Netizen George Tercero agrees, saying that Torre III imposed the law he pledged to uphold.

“Pinapairal at tinutupad kung ano ang sinumpaan nya walang kinikilingan, he is a general of the poor,” Tercero added.

For Fel Del Inaldo, he described Torre III as “not a traitor but a law upholder” who did not budge to arrest Apollo Quiboloy and ex-President Duterte.

Villager Benjamin Estrada Baybayan agreed, saying that the said major general is firm on his stand.

“May paninindigan, trabaho lang walang personalan,” he added.

The upbeat Torre has been implementing “reforms, changes, and improvements,” traits that are being envisioned for a new PNP chief. These traits are being yearned, not only by outgoing PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil but also President Marcos Jr.

Torre once served as the provincial director of Samar Provincial Police Office until 2019 and was later transferred to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Metro Manila as regional director for operations in January 2019.

He was later assigned as chief of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on August 12, 2022. Despite getting negative comments for hosting a press conference for retired Patrolman Wilfredo Gonzales, known for gun-toting a cyclist in Welcome Rotonda, he stood his ground and asked for compassion. He later publicly apologized for allegedly giving VIP treatment to Gonzales.

After his replacement as NCRPO chief, he was appointed director of PNP Headquarters’ Communications and Electronics Service (CES).

Then on June 16, 2024, he was reassigned in Davao Regional Police Office (PRO-11) as acting police director.

Here, he gained admiration—and enemies, as well—for trying to arrest Apollo Quiboloy from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.

After Quiboloy, Torre was assigned as director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Here, Torre executed the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for former president Rodrigo Duterte who was immediately transported to The Hague on March 11, 2025.

They say, the rest is history and Torre III’s firm stand has been giving him the greatest chance to snare the top PNP post. #

Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III. (Courtesy: Nicolas Torre III FB)

Apat na interns ng ATI-Region 2, magsasanay sa Taiwan   

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Courtesy: ATI-Region 2

SAN MATEO, Isabela-Ipapadala ng Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02) ang apat na interns para sa Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program sa bansang Taiwan.

Kasama sa papuntang Taiwan sina Jenifer N. Laudencia mula Del Pilar, Cabarroguis, Quirino, Devine Grace T. Nevada mula sa Magsaysay, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Efren P. Lamsis ng Brgy. Ansipsip, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya at Junel A. Pumma mula sa Taliktik, Cordon, Isabela.

Tatagal ang pananatili ng mga ito sa loob ng 11 buwan sa Taiwan, na magsisimula sa Mayo 19, 2025, at magtatapos sa Abril 2026.

Layunin nito na matuto mula sa mga eksperto, at magdala ng mahahalagang kaalaman pabalik sa kanilang mga komunidad kung saan inaasahan silang ilapat ang kanilang matututuhan sa naturang bansa.#

BASAHIN!  PAGSUNOG NG DAYAMI, BAWAL 

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Courtesy: Philrice-Isabela

Ayon sa mga pag-aaral, maraming masamang epekto ang pagsusunog ng dayami, tulad ng polusyon sa hangin at paglala ng climate change. Ngunit,

𝗞𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘆 𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗼𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗶:

✅Nawawala ang nitrogen, phosphorus ng 25%, potassium ng 20%, at sulfur ng 5-60%.

✅Nasisira ang tirahan at pinagkukunan ng pagkain ng mga kaibigang insekto sa palayan.

𝗞𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗼𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗶:

✅Nadadagdagan nito ang nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, silicon, at carbon sa lupa.

✅Napapanatili ang sustansya at moisture ng lupa.

✅Nagagamit ito bilang organikong pataba upang makatipid sa abono.

Maaari ring gawing materyales sa pagpapatubo ng kabute (mushroom).

𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗮𝗻: Sa tamang pamamaraan ng pamamahala ng dayami, napapanatili nito ang  produktibidad ng lupa at ani.#

76-year-old retired PNP chief elected new Cagayan governor

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Former PNP Chief Gen. Edgar "Egay" Aglipay urges support of all elected officials shortly after his proclamation on May 14 at around 4:30 in the afternoon. (Cagayan Information Office)

By Villamor Visaya Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer News Correspondent

TUGUEGARAO CITY-Former Philippine National Police chief General Edgar “Egay” Aglipay was proclaimed at past 4:30 pm on May 14 as the new Cagayan governor-elect by the provincial board of canvassers.
With all the results accounted, Aglipay had tallied 258,470 votes, just 27,429 votes more than second-running Dr. Zarah Lara who got 231,041 votes and way more than incumbent Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr.’s 149,745 votes.
The Provincial Board of Canvassers led by Attorney Camangeg as chair, Atty. Ronnel Nicolas as vice chair, and Romel Libang, as member-Secretary administered the proclamation.
The retired police general formally knelt before the other provincial winners, especially those board members elected who are not under his One Cagayan team, and asked them for unity and set aside politics.
Aglipay posted in his Facebook account that he owed the trust to the Cagayanos for electing him governor.
“Hindi ko po ito tagumpay lamang, kundi tagumpay nating lahat. Isang panibagong yugto ng serbisyo at malasakit ang ating haharapin at sama-sama nating itataguyod ang mas progresibo, mas maayos, at mas makataong Cagayan (This is not my victory alone, but a victory for all of us. A new chapter of service and compassion unfolds before us and together, we will uphold a more progressive, more orderly, and more humane Cagayan.),” the Camalaniugan, Cagayan native said.
Aglipay was PNP chief from August 23, 2004 to March 14, 2005 and later plunged into businesses such as being the chair of EMME Security Group. His daughter, Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, has been appointed social welfare undersecretary aside from being a three-term DIWA party-list congresswoman and a former justice undersecretary. He is the father-in-law of Senator Mark Villar (Emmeline’s husband).
Aglipay banked on his votes in Tuao town–a bailiwick of his ally and incumbent three-term Governor Manuel Mamba–with 27, 641 votes as against 2,966 votes of Lara in the said town, enough to offset the higher votes of his closest rival (Lara) in Tuguegarao City, Solana, and Baggao towns.
Lara conceded defeat, posting in her Facebook post: “Ako’y taus-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pagtitiwala. Hindi man ito ang wakas na inaasahan natin, ito’y simula pa lamang ng mas matatag at mas malalim na paglilingkod (I am grateful for the trust. Even though this is not the end we like, this is still the start of a firmer and deeper service).”
In the final tally for vice governor, Mamba won in a landslide victory with 348,954 votes over opponents, his cousin Leonides Fausto and former governor Alvaro Antonio.
For provincial board members, elected were Rowena Retoma, Kamille Ponce-Perez, and Atty. Romeo Garcia for the first district; Randy Ursulum, Alninoson Kevin Timbas, and Vilmer Viloria for the second district; and, AJ Ponce, Engelbert Caronan, Romar De Asis, and Odi Boy Fausto. #

Former PNP chief Edgar Aglipay is being proclaimed as governor and later knelt before winning board members under his rivals’ wings to unify under his administration at past 4:30 pm on May 14 at the provincial canvassing center at the provincial capitol in Tuguegarao City. (Cagayan PIO/Francis Jorque)

Winning mayor in Cagayan claims “karadap” by rivals almost cost him to lose; saddened by “culture of corruption” 

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Courtesy: LGU-Sanchez Mira

By Villamor Visaya Jr.

SANCHEZ MIRA, Cagayan-Winning incumbent mayor and retired Army general Abraham “Abe” Bagasin, who won by a mere 17-vote margin over his opponent, rued the alleged “karadap (Ilocano word for crawl)” before and on the eve of the elections nearly cost him to lose his reelection bid.

Bagasin told in a phone interview on Thursday that he and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong have vowed a partnership to alleviate the “culture of corruption” through their personal meetings and social media groups but he was “saddened” by his slim margin of victory.

“Getting appreciation and accolades for my good governance did not translate to votes. Maybe, I am too complacent and that my record will speak,” Bagasing added.

“Nanalo ako, ayon sa opisyal na rekord ng COMELEC. But please allow me my space to grieve. Nagluluksa ako dahil hindi ko akalaing mahihirapang lumaban ang malinis na paglilingkod kung tatapatan ng malaking pera (I am grieving because I did not foresee that having a clean purpose to serve will be having a difficulty when big money comes in.),” Bagasin said in an earlier Facebook post on Tuesday.

Bagasin of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats tallied 7,132 votes, just 17-vote more than the votes garnered by former mayor Asela Sacramed of the Nacionalista Party who got 7,115 votes.

Bagasin’s runningmate, John Langaman, was way behind frontrunner Connie Marie Sacramed, daughter-in-law of Asela, for vice mayor. Sacramed got 8,124 votes while Langaman got 4,840 votes. Far third was independent Marissa Padirayon with 1,147 votes.

Five of the elected councilors under Bagasin won, who included frontrunner Carlo Cachapero, Doc Ymman Valdez, Chel Monje, Kap Mama Agabin and Val Macalma. Three others were under Sacramed’s team, who included Melbina Mangosing, Maria Luisa De Castro,and Napoleon Malto. 

Bagasin said that the alleged karadap-style of the rivals are “open secret” in the town.

“Buong Sanchez Mira, hindi ide-deny na nangyari ito. At kilala ninyong lahat kung sino-sino ang mga bumili ng boto. Hinayaan ko sila, dahil nagtiwala akong hindi mabibili ang dignidad ng Sanchez Mira. (Within Sanchez Mira, they will never deny this. You know who they are. I let them do their stuff because I believe that the dignity of Sanchez Mira will never be bought.),” he added.

“While waiting to end the culture of vote-buying, we continue to pursue our clean, lawful, and efficient governance,” he said, adding that the “dignity and integrity” will speak. 

“You cannot put a good man down,” he added.

The Sacrameds, however, denied any vote-buying spree in public social media posts.

The Sacrameds, led by then Mayor Napoleon Sacramed Sr. used to rule Sanchez Mira since 2000s.

In 2022, Bagasin was a neophyte in politics and was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 83. He used to head the First Scout Ranger Regiment at Southern Command, the 11th Infantry Battalion in Negros Island, the 5th Infantry Division covering Cagayan Valley and Cordillera, and the 4th Infantry Division.

When he retired from the military, he was appointed by President Duterte as deputy administrator of the National Irrigation Administration. 

He then plunged into politics in 2022, beating Connie Marie Sacramed for mayor with 7,362 votes as against the latter’s 6,075 votes in the said elections.#

Nueva Vizcaya governor proclaimed after beating former ally

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Courtesy: PLGU-Nueva Vizcaya

By Villamor Visaya Jr.

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya-Incumbent Governor Jose “Jing” Gambito was proclaimed winner by the provincial board of canvassers on May 13 for his first three-year elective term against his longtime ally, three-term Rep. Luisa Lloren “Banti” Cuaresma for Nueva Vizcaya governor.

Before ascending as governor two years ago when elected Gov. Carlos Padilla died on May 5, 2023, Gambito was the vice gubernatorial bet allied with Cuaresma who then won her third term as congresswoman in 2022 elections.

Gambito told reporters on Tuesday that he did not expect a landslide victory, getting 151,517 votes as against Cuaresma who got 82,237 votes and former provincial administrator Maybelle Blossom Dumlao who got 11,986 votes.

“I honestly did not expect a landslide victory. While the three surveys conducted prior to the elections showed us in the lead, the margins were very close. This is a humbling (experience),” he said.

“I assure the people of Nueva Vizcaya that I will work even harder now that you have entrusted me with the governorship. Together, we will build on our achievements and strive for greater progress,” he added, urging unity with his rivals in the elections.

Gambito previously went into a private life for nine years but he ran and won as vice governor in 2022 and by succession when Governor Padilla died in 2023. 

Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo, who was then a first-ranked board member and elevated as vice governor when Gambito was sworn in as governor, was elected with 96,129 votes as against former Bambang mayor and board member Eduardo Balgos who got 72,869 and Patricio Dumlao who garnered 69,509 votes. 

Dacayo expressed gratitude to Novo Vizcayanos for the “overwhelming votes” and promised to repay the “trust and confidence through hardwork, dedication, commitment and passion.”

For the lone congressional seat, Dupax del Norte Mayor Timothy Joseph was elected with 100,291 votes, edging former vice governor and board member Jose Tam-an who got 76,698 votes, former congresswoman Ruth Padilla who got 57,482 votes, and three other pursuers, retired general Val De Leon, Jun Manghi, Jay Padilla, and Lawrence Santa Ana.

“I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support of our fellow Novo Vizcayanos. We will work hard with dedication to realize our commitments such as on tourism development and Indigenous People’s Cultural Preservation, among  others,” he said.

The PBOC also proclaimed the elected members of the  Sangguniang Panlalawigan (South District) –  Luisa Corazon Cuaresma with  49,958 votes,  Clem Cadoy with 41,625 votes,  Leah Tidang with  42,977 votes,  EJ Galanta-Martinez with 36,244 votes and Pablo Kindot with 34,891 votes.

The proclaimed members of the SP for  North District were Eunice Galima-Gambol with 70,999 votes, Atty. John Severino Bagasao with 56,175 votes,  Atty. Primo Percival Marcos with 51,734 votes,  Wilson ‘Ayuda King’ Salas with 45,830 votes and  Flodemonte Gerdan with  44,611 votes.#

Coin toss solves tie in Nueva Vizcaya town’s top council seat

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Courtesy: MBOC/Dave Santos

By Villamor Visaya Jr.

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya-The tie for the first-ranked council seat was solved through a coin toss by the Solano Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC) on Tuesday.

The decision was reached after council winners Thomas Dave Santos, a trader, and Clifford Tito, an optometrist, both tied with 13, 451 votes.

Although both won, the top one rank would be important in cases wherein the elected vice mayor either resigns, dies or ascended as mayor by succession.

Santos won in the coin toss to be ranked first.

Both Santos and Tio are first-time councilors.

Under the law, the election board may impose a draw lots, or if agreed upon, by a coin toss, with both parties agreeing to it.#

Tabuk City councilor ranked first in polls, but unproclaimed amid Comelec ruling

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Atty. Errol Comafay. (Courtesy: Comafay's FB page)

By Villamor Visaya Jr.

KALINGA– A lawyer, who topped the votes for council members, has decried the delisting of his name as among those to be officially proclaimed in Tabuk City on May 13.

Lawyer Errol Comafay–who ran but lost in 2022 elections—received 41,582 votes to top the council winners.

“The people of Tabuk have spoken and they overwhelmingly gave the mandate,” he told this news correspondent in an online interview on May 13.

Comafay added that he felt the “love and empathy” of his constituents for his “overwhelming mandate” and for showing support to him.

“The COMELEC did not proclaim me. I would be proclaimed by the Supreme Court. We will file a motion with the Supreme Court. We will submit the election results to prove that the petition against me is baseless,” he said.

Tabuk City election office has claimed that they have implemented the en banc resolution upholding the Comelec 2nd Division resolution which cancelled Comafay’s candidacy.

Lawyer Gustavo Dalen, Tabuk City canvassers’ board chair, said in a briefing that they are just implementing the decision cancelling his candidacy for alleged material misrepresentation as a resident of Tabuk City.

“With the en banc decision, it is as if no (certificate of candidacy) was filed, and votes for Comafay are considered stray,” Dalen said in a briefing with reporters.

On May 13, Comafay garnered 41,582 votes, as of 12:46 p.m. on May 13 but he was not proclaimed.

Instead, the election canvassers’ board declared councilor re-elect Luchie Sarol who garnered 35,423 votes, as the number one councilor.#

Mayor Ting-Que gets fresh three-year term as proclamation “bitter-sweet”

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Courtesy: CPIO

By VILLAMOR C. VISAYA JR.

TUGUEGARAO CITY- Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que was formally proclaimed winner as city mayor, her second consecutive term, by the city board of canvassers on May 13 at 2 in the early morning.

Ting-Que, who got 45,314 votes, dislodged attorney and former mayor Jefferson Soriano, in their return bout. They battled each other for mayor in 2022.

Ting thanked her supporters and pledged that he will work harder for the “renewed trust” for her leadership.

“Thank you so much for the love, for the understanding, for the passion and support. Please be assured that it is the same Maila you will be seeing, one who is honest, transparent, one who will accountable,” she said.

Ting-Que said her victory is bittersweet as her brother, former three-term Rep. Randolph Ting, lost 3rd district congressional post to incumbent Rep. Joseph Lara.

She will team up with newly elected vice mayor, Pastor Ross Resuello, who defeated incumbent vice mayor Bienvenido “Ben-ben” De Guzman and Arnel Arugay.

Elected councilors include top-ranked Charo Soriano (former mayor Soriano’s daughter), Ronald Ortiz, Mark Angelo Dayag, Jude Bayona, Lope Apostor Jr., Atty. Aldous Baccay, Tirso Mangada, Denden Avila, Myrna Te, Mariel Ayna Ting, Karina Gauani, and Anthony Tuddao. #