Marcos mulling new post for relieved PNP chief Torre – Remulla
MANILA, Philippines — Newly relieved Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III may be assigned to another position, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. still valuing his experience and leadership, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
At a press conference on Tuesday, August 26, Remulla gave few details on Torre’s relief but said Marcos “saw it necessary that the institution of the PNP and the NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission) be upheld as according to the spirit of the law as it was created.”
“The president is thinking of offering a position to the former PNP chief,” Remulla said. “He is being considered for another position because the president still believes in his capacity, in his organizational strength, in his vast experience in the service. So the president believes that he can be of use in other positions critical to the nation's development.”
No violations cited. Remulla stressed Torre was not removed for any legal or administrative infraction.
“He didn't violate any laws. He didn't violate any. He has not been charged with any administrative case. He has not been charged with any criminal case,” he said. “But he is a presidential appointee who serves at the pleasure of the president and the president has made a decision to go in another direction.”
Remulla called the relief “difficult but necessary,” adding that Marcos was still “very fond of Torre.”
“In his brief tenure as (PNP) chief, and even before that as CIDG, the president and General Torre have had a wonderful and productive relationship,” he said.
“However, there comes a crossroads in a president's decision-making that he has to make the tough but necessary decisions to push his agenda forward,” Remulla added.
Nartatez named OIC. Torre’s three-month tenure ended when Marcos issued an order dated Aug. 25 relieving him of duty. Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr., the former second-in-command of the PNP, was named officer in charge.
The order followed the National Police Commission’s reversal of several personnel assignments made by Torre, including the postings of Nartatez and other senior officials.
“That (NAPOLCOM order) among other things is part of the consideration of the president,” Remulla said.
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