Sen. Bato dela Rosa Speaks on Relief of Nicolas Torre III as PNP Chief
BATO DELA ROSA – The former Philippine National Police chief turned Senator was asked about his side on the recent relief of Nicolas Torre as PNP chief.
President Bongbong Marcos’ order to relieve Nicolas Torre III as PNP chief “effective immediately” shocked countless Filipinos. It is no secret to the Filipino people that Torre is one of the loyal allies of the Chief Executive amid the political turmoil in the government.
In a letter signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, it was not mentioned why Marcos Jr. decided to remove Torre from the PNP lead but directed him for the smooth transfer of all the matters and the documents pertaining his office. As of this writing, the former PNP Chief has yet to issue a statement.
Nicolas Torre III had a very short stint as PNP chief but he has sparked countless headlines. Prior to his appointment to the post, he earned both praises and criticisms over his role in the arrests of two (2) huge personalities in the country — Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder and leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
He was the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) when he led the sending off of Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands following his arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport when he arrived from Hong Kong last March 11. The former President remains under the custody of the International Criminal Court in The Hague for more than five (5) months now.
Nicolas Torre III being appointed by Pres. Bongbong Marcos as PNP chief in May disappointed countless Duterte supporters. Then-Davao Mayor Baste Duterte even expressed his claim that Torre’s promotion is allegedly not merit-based but due to favor.
Recently, following the removal of Nicolas Torre III as PNP chief, known Duterte-ally Sen. Bato dela Rosa was asked about his side on the issue. He is also a former chief of the national police who served from 2016 to 2018 under the administration of then Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa claimed that he has no idea if Nicolas Torre III abused his powers as the PNP chief, thus, the President decided to remove him from the position. However, according to the Senator, it just shows that being in public service is not limitless.
“Well, it just goes to show na walang forever. That’s the reality sa serbisyo — anytime you can be relieved, so you have to be ready,” the former PNP chief-turned-Senator said.
There are speculations that Torre’s directive to transfer Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. who was second-in-command then to lead the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao allegedly caused his relief from his position. Amid the issue, Sen. Bato dela Rosa claimed that during his time, he sought clearance from Malacañang when he would appoint police officers to different positions.
“Nagki-clear ako sa Malacañang na minsan, mabilisan ang kailangang aksyunan kaagad, nag-issue ako order then later on I’ll just inform Malacañang na ito ang ginawa ko,” Dela Rosa said.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa said Torre might have aggravated someone over his move. When asked if the relieved PNP Chief deserved to be removed from the position, the Senator stressed that removal from office is expected in public service.
“Expected ‘yan sa serbisyo, you can be relieved anytime,” the Senator said.
Based on a report on Inquirer, for Sen. Ping Lacson who is also a former chief of the national police, he believes that Torre allegedly “acted beyond his authority” over the switching of positions. Meanwhile, he stressed that what is important now is the smooth transfer of command.
Amid the issue, the Department of Interior and Local Government or DILG clarified that relieved PNP chief Nicolas Torre III did not violate the law and it was simply the choice of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. He stressed that Torre always had a great relationship with the Marcos admin.