Behind the Badge: General Torre’s Untold Story of the Duterte Arrest

ON Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) convened its 27th Weekly Membership Meeting at the prestigious Manila Polo Club, an event that stood as a powerful testament to the club’s unwavering commitment to fostering fellowship, honoring service, and delving into pertinent issues shaping the nation.

The afternoon was marked by a dynamic exchange of ideas, highlighted by an extraordinary address from Police Major General Nicolas D. Torre III, Director of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), whose candid and riveting account of the high-profile arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte held the audience spellbound.

A Symphony of Tradition and Camaraderie

As the clock struck 12:30 PM, Vice-President Joel C. Valdes called the meeting to order, stepping in for RCM President Eduardo "Jujut" Enriquez III, who was still in Miyazaki, Japan. The air was charged with a palpable sense of anticipation, as the gathering of Rotarians—seasoned leaders, esteemed dignitaries, and distinguished guests—came together for an afternoon of reflection, celebration, and discourse.

The proceedings began with an invocation led by Rotarian Dr. Paul Anthony T. “Paul” Koh, who offered a prayer for wisdom, strength, and unity—a reminder of the guiding principles that define Rotary service.

The Philippine National Anthem followed, presented through a stirring audio-visual presentation, filling the hall with patriotic fervor. The RCM World Famous Music Chorale, ever the embodiment of musical excellence, then graced the gathering with the Manila Rotary Hymn, their harmonious voices reverberating through the Manila Polo Club, unifying the room with a shared sense of purpose.

To reinforce the club's guiding values, Rotarian Delfin N. “Del” Lorenzana led the solemn recitation of The Four-Way Test, reminding all present of the timeless Rotary principles of truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit.

President’s Time: Insights and Reflections

During President’s Time, Vice-President Joel C. Valdes took the stage, offering updates on the club’s initiatives and sharing key developments in RCM’s ongoing projects. His remarks reflected the club’s steadfast dedication to its philanthropic endeavors and its continuous efforts to drive positive impact in the community.

A Warm Welcome and Celebrations

In a gracious display of fellowship, President-Elect Raoul C. Creencia took to the podium to acknowledge the esteemed guests in attendance, welcoming them with characteristic warmth and camaraderie. The RCM World Famous Music Chorale once again took center stage, rendering a heartwarming rendition of the Welcome Song—a melodic embrace extended to guests and fellow Rotarians alike.

In a joyful interlude, the club honored its birthday celebrant, Rtn. Ramby Nolido, who was serenaded with a spirited performance of “Maligayang Bati” and “Happy Birthday” by the Chorale, infusing the room with a festive spirit.

A Riveting Keynote: The Inside Story of a Historic Arrest

The highlight of the afternoon was the guest of honor and speaker, Police Major General Nicolas D. Torre III, Director of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). He was introduced by none other than District 3810 Governor Joaquin C. “Jackie” Rodriguez, Sr., who gave a glowing preamble, emphasizing General Torre’s exemplary service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.

With a commanding presence and an air of candor, General Torre immediately captured the room’s attention with his opening remarks. With a glint of humor, he gave the audience a playful choice—whether they preferred the “official version” or the “marites version” of the controversial arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Though lighthearted, this jest set the tone for a riveting and unfiltered narrative that followed, offering the Rotarians a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most sensational law enforcement operations in recent Philippine history.

General Torre began by outlining the gravity of the situation his team faced. He emphasized that the CIDG was tasked not merely with executing an arrest warrant but with carrying out an unprecedented and politically charged mission that would require flawless coordination, strategic foresight, and unyielding resolve. With disarming frankness, he described the intense pressure and scrutiny his team was under—from both local and international authorities—as they prepared for what would become a globally watched operation.

He then launched into the astonishing details of the Duterte arrest and extradition, offering a gripping, step-by-step account of the meticulous planning and daring execution behind the operation. Central to his narrative were what he described as the "4Ps of Planning": Prediction, Prevention, Preparation, and Performance. He explained that his team left no detail to chance. Their operational plan was exhaustive—nearly as thick as a ream of bond paper—detailing every address, contingency, and logistical nuance. This level of precision, he emphasized, was critical in ensuring the mission’s success without collateral damage or unnecessary confrontation.

General Torre revealed how the CIDG’s initial breakthrough came during the surveillance and eventual raid on Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s compound. While unrelated on the surface, this operation provided a unique opening for the CIDG, as it inadvertently disrupted logistical networks and travel routes that Duterte’s team might have used. He described how the providential timing of the Quiboloy raid was instrumental, giving his team a tactical advantage. He even recounted how the rain in Davao—which had been forecasted—held off during the critical window of the operation, an event he described as a moment of divine intervention.

With remarkable detail, he painted a picture of sleepless nights and tireless coordination, sharing how his team anticipated every possible move from Duterte’s security entourage. The CIDG meticulously monitored Duterte’s inner circle, tracking movements, communications, and even assessing body language to detect potential changes in the former president's travel plans.

One of the most striking moments of his speech came when he revealed how his team ensured that Duterte would land in Manila rather than Davao, where he would have had stronger logistical support and local protection. General Torre explained how they employed psychological tactics and strategic deception, deploying a visible but misleading show of force at Davao Airport. The presence of officers at Davao created the illusion of a full-scale operation, prompting Duterte’s security team to divert their flight to Manila—a move the CIDG had anticipated and prepared for.

Once in Manila, the tactical brilliance continued. General Torre vividly described how they orchestrated the arrest at Terminal 2’s Bay 116—a location strategically chosen for its proximity to the service buses, ensuring swift and discreet extraction. The general recounted the tense standoff as his team carefully approached Duterte's entourage, using precise coordination to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

With a seasoned law enforcement officer's wisdom, General Torre highlighted the delicate balance of force and diplomacy. He revealed that the CIDG deliberately placed female officers at the forefront of the arrest team, a strategic decision meant to project calm and reduce the likelihood of aggressive confrontation. This subtle yet effective tactic, he explained, disarmed tension and ensured a more peaceful compliance from Duterte’s group.

Throughout his narrative, General Torre conveyed the weight of responsibility his team carried. He spoke of the careful negotiations that unfolded during the operation, including the CIDG's efforts to accommodate Duterte's requests for medical assistance. He shared how his team arranged for doctors, provided oxygen, and even allowed extra time for Duterte’s legal team to confer with him—extending every courtesy while adhering strictly to the rule of law.

As he described the final moments before Duterte’s extradition, the room was silent with anticipation. General Torre recounted the final coordination with the Hague-bound flight crew, the logistical precision in managing the transfer, and the meticulous documentation required for the handover to the International Criminal Court. With a blend of pride and solemnity, he expressed how the CIDG’s successful execution of the operation demonstrated not only their tactical capabilities but also their commitment to justice, no matter how powerful the individual involved.

To conclude his address, General Torre offered a sobering reflection on the future of law enforcement in the country. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance against corruption, the importance of institutional integrity, and the enduring commitment to protecting the rule of law, regardless of political affiliations or influence.

As he stepped away from the podium, the room erupted in applause. The Rotarians were clearly captivated—not only by the sensational details of the operation but also by the discipline, strategy, and integrity that General Torre and his team displayed. His presentation offered a rare and unvarnished glimpse into the challenges of enforcing justice at the highest levels of power—a powerful reminder that in the pursuit of justice, no one is above the law.

Engaging the Audience: A Lively Open Forum

Following the keynote, the floor was opened for questions. The open forum saw RCM members engaging General Torre with thought-provoking inquiries on the broader implications of the arrest, the role of law enforcement in preserving democratic principles, and the potential repercussions on the nation’s political landscape.

General Torre, unflinching in his responses, provided candid insights into the legal, operational, and diplomatic dimensions of the high-profile case. His willingness to field even the most challenging questions underscored his transparency and commitment to the rule of law.

A Token of Appreciation

In recognition of his enlightening and fearless presentation, Vice-President Joel C. Valdes presented General Torre with a Certificate of Appreciation, honoring his service, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the nation.

Closing and Adjournment

As the meeting drew to a close, Vice-President Joel C. Valdes offered his closing remarks, expressing gratitude to General Torre, District Governor Jackie Rodriguez, and all in attendance. He commended the club’s unwavering spirit of fellowship and its dedication to promoting meaningful dialogue and action. With a final flourish, Vice-President Valdes formally adjourned the meeting, marking the end of an extraordinary afternoon—one defined by compelling revelations, insightful exchanges, and the enduring bonds of Rotary camaraderie.

A Meeting to Remember

The 27th Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila was more than just a routine gathering—it was a convergence of civic engagement, shared purpose, and profound insight. As the Rotarians departed the Manila Polo Club that afternoon, they carried with them not only the memories of a remarkable keynote but also a renewed sense of commitment to service, truth, and justice—the very values that define the Rotary spirit.