Birthday Post for PMGEN Torre Flooded with Criticism
CIDG – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group faced heavy criticism after posting a birthday greeting for CIDG Director PMGEN Nicolas Torre III on their official Facebook page. Torre celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
In their message, CIDG expressed admiration for Torre’s leadership, stating, “The men and women of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group wish you nothing but the best. Your leadership and vision drive us to achieve excellence everyday. Your ability to lead with a genuine heart has created a positive and encouraging environment. May your day be as outstanding as your leadership. Happy, happy birthday Sir. From your CIDG Family.”
However, the post quickly became a target of backlash, as netizens flooded the comment section with harsh criticism, particularly regarding Torre’s role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The arrest, carried out at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on March 11, was coordinated with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s war on drugs.
Many comments contained angry and even hostile messages toward Torre, with some implying that they wished for his birthday to be his last. Others sarcastically wished him misfortune, reflecting their disapproval of his involvement in Duterte’s arrest. Comments included statements such as, “Happy bday sir. Sana lahat nang kamalasan nang mundo mapunta na sa inyo.”
Meanwhile, Duterte is being transported to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is expected to stand trial for crimes against humanity. Earlier, the plane carrying him landed at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai at 8:03 AM on Wednesday, March 12. His aircraft (RP-C5219) departed from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 11:03 PM on March 11, as confirmed by President Bongbong Marcos. After a brief layover of just over an hour in Dubai, Duterte is set to continue his journey to Rotterdam Airport in The Hague.