Gen. Nicolas Torre III, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has been removed from his position, according to a document signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
The document, dated August 25, stated, “You are hereby relieved as Chief, PNP effective immediately.” This announcement comes less than three months after Torre assumed leadership of the PNP.
The Office of the President did not provide further details or reasons for the decision.
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According to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Torre’s dismissal was described as “difficult but necessary,” as reported by abs-cbn.com.
Remulla clarified that Torre has not been charged with any administrative or criminal offenses and did not violate any regulations.
Possible Reasons Behind the Decision
Torre previously ignored a National Police Commission (Napolcom) resolution that overturned his decision to reassign certain PNP officials, including PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who succeeded him as chief.
Remulla stated, “The President is committed to ensuring unified leadership and coordination within his Cabinet, especially in areas responsible for security, peace, and order,” noting that President Marcos aimed to support Napolcom’s authority.
Nartatez, formerly the PNP’s Deputy Chief for Administration, had been reassigned by Torre as Area Police Commander for Western Mindanao.
Torre was appointed PNP Chief earlier this year following the retirement of former PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil in June.
Torre was the 31st PNP chief and the fourth under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
