TACLOBAN CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III returned to familiar ground on Monday, June 30, as he led the inauguration of the new Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) headquarters in Barangay Pupua, Catbalogan City—a province where he once served as police director from 2017 to 2019.
The event marked Torre’s first official visit to Eastern Visayas since his appointment as the country’s top police official by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on June 2, 2025.
The newly inaugurated three-story facility, which was completed in November 2024 at a cost of P29.39 million, is expected to boost police operations in Samar—a province long plagued by challenges related to insurgency and criminality.
Torre described the new headquarters as a symbol of progress in the PNP’s drive toward modernization and professionalism.
“This new headquarters stands as a testament not only to our progress in infrastructure but also to the ever-advancing professionalism and preparedness of the police force in the province,” Torre said in his remarks.
He also lauded the dedication and commitment of the local police, particularly under the leadership of SPPO Director Col. Antonietto Eric Mendoza.
Torre emphasized the importance of strong police-community ties and praised the SPPO’s proactive efforts in maintaining public safety and fostering local trust.
Joining Torre at the ceremony were Police Regional Office 8 Director BGen. Jay Cumigad and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, who both welcomed the PNP chief back to the province.
Later in the day, Torre also witnessed the oath-taking ceremony of Governor Tan and other newly elected provincial and local officials, highlighting the PNP’s ongoing collaboration with local government units to uphold peace and security in the region.
The PNP chief’s return to Samar was both symbolic and forward-looking—marking a return to a province where he helped shape local policing and reaffirming his leadership in steering the national police toward modernization and deeper community engagement.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
