Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III was not removed over any legal or administrative violations, stressing that his relief was purely President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to steer the police force in a "new direction."
“[Gen. Torre] did not violate any laws. He has not been charged criminally nor administratively," Remulla said on Tuesday, August 26, in a press conference at Camp Crame.
"It is simply a choice of the President to take a new direction for the PNP,” Remulla emphasized.
Remulla stressed that the decision was made to uphold institutional integrity and ensure a unified direction in the country’s security sector.
“Precisely because we are a country of laws and not of men. that the institutions must be larger than the people who run it. And in this case the president saw it necessary that the institution of the PNP and the Napolcom be at held as according to the spirit of the law as it was created,” Remulla said on why Torre was relived from post.
The DILG chief noted that the decision "was not an easy choice but it was made in rational interest."
"The President is committed to ensuring the unified direction and collaboration across all areas in his Cabinet, particularly those responsible for delivering security, peace, and order,” he said.
The DILG chief further revealed that Torre may still serve the government in another capacity.
“The President is considering him [Torre] for another post in the government. We will know soon if Gen. Torre will accept,” Remulla noted.
Remulla also denied having any hand in Torre’s removal and stressed that his relationship with the former PNP chief remains amicable.
"No, never. PNP Chief (Gen. Torre) and I have always had a great relationship,” he said.
Marcos appointed Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. as Torre’s replacement, with the formal turnover led by Remulla.
With Torre stepping down, Nartatez officially assumes leadership as the officer-in-charge.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, Nartatez said he sees no conflict within the police leadership. According to Nartatez, the PNP is a “dynamic” organization that simply follows orders.
Meanwhile, Torre will be placed on “floating” status if he does not opt for early retirement. Nartatez will remain OIC while Torre continues to hold the four-star rank, which is reserved for the PNP Chief.
