Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Tuesday that one of the key reasons behind the removal of Police General Nicolas Torre III as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was his defiance of a directive from the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) concerning the reassignment of senior officers.
In a press briefing, Remulla was asked if Torre’s relief was tied to his failure to implement NAPOLCOM’s order reversing the top cop’s reshuffling of key officials. “That, among other things, is part of the consideration of the President,” he said.
According to Remulla, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. decided to uphold the authority of NAPOLCOM, which is mandated by law to oversee police administration. “The Palace affirms that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made the difficult but necessary decision to relieve PNP Chief PGen Nicolas Torre III of his duties. The President believes that his national security apparatus must always work within the framework of the law,” Remulla said.
He clarified, however, that Torre’s removal was purely a presidential prerogative and not influenced by his office. “That is a prerogative of the President. I have no say whatsoever, nor did I advise whatsoever. The sole entity to tackle such an appointment or relief is only from the Office of the President,” he explained.
Remulla also denied rumors of personal rifts with the former PNP chief, stressing that he and Torre had a strong working relationship. “PNP chief and I have always had a great relationship… Until now, I still consider him not only as a colleague, but someone who I’ve gone to battle with and who I trusted big decisions of the President with,” he noted.
The controversy stemmed from NAPOLCOM Resolution 2025-0531, dated August 14, which reversed Torre’s earlier appointments. The resolution reinstated Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez as Deputy Chief for Administration and Police Lieutenant General Bernard Banac as commander of the Area Police Command (APC) Western Mindanao. It also directed the PNP to issue orders for the reassignment of 11 more officials.
Following Torre’s relief, Nartatez assumed leadership of the PNP as officer-in-charge on Tuesday, formally taking over the position vacated by Torre.