MANILA, Philippines — The removal of Gen. Nicolas Torre III as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) may have been triggered by his move to unilaterally relieve his second-in-command, according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
Other senators, meanwhile, have expressed surprise, with Senate President Francis Escudero saying the development has underscored the reality that any PNP chief serves “at the pleasure of the President.”
Escudero added that he saw no impact on peace and order, “but administratively, there might be,” since Torre already held a four-star rank.
“He acted beyond his authority of unilaterally relieving his second in command,” Lacson said in a statement on Torre’s relief.
Before his dismissal as PNP chief, Torre reportedly had a spat with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) over his move to reshuffle 13 senior officers, including his would-be replacement, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
“Normally, the designation and relief of the members of the PNP Command Group should be cleared with the President or at least the ex-officio chairman of the NAPOLCOM, also the SILG (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government),” he added.
Lacson explained that when he was PNP chief during the Estrada administration, he did not use the “blanket authority” given to him to make appointments.
“The relief of PGen. Torre is the sole prerogative of the President,” he added, stressing that the focus now should be on ensuring “a smooth transition and transfer of command and authority so as not to hamper the overall mission of the PNP.”
No impact
Escudero, meanwhile, said the development is unlikely to have impact on peace and order. “But administratively, there might be,” he added, as Torre already holds a four-star rank.
Sen. Imee Marcos, for her part, pointed to alleged internal grumbling in the PNP as well as complaints from local officials, particularly regarding his reported bypassing of Remulla in making apppointments.
“It’s a shame that this rift has come out in public,” she said.
Marcos also alleged persistent chatter about Torre’s PNPA batchmates “who boast” openly about their political ambitions ahead of the 2028 elections.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, said Torre’s removal underscored the unpredictability of the high command. “It just goes to show that there is no forever,” he said.
He admitted having mixed feelings about Torre’s removal. “I hate him because of what he did to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and to (former) president Duterte, but I pity him for getting sacked even after all his efforts.”
Sen. Raffy Tulfo said Malacañang’s move was its way of defusing tensions within the police hierarchy.
“I respect Malacañang’s decision,” he said. — Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano, Bella Cariaso