DILG Speaks on Decision of Marcos Jr. To Relieve Torre from Post as PNP Chief
MARCOS JR. – Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla claimed that the President is considering to offer another government post to relieved Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III.
A letter released by Malacañang early today announced that Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the relief of PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III from his post “effective immediately”. It sparked doubts and questions as the letter signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin did not state why the President decided to remove Torre who is known as his loyal ally.
Torre served as the PNP chief for around three (3) months following the order of Marcos Jr. for him to leave his post. It sparked speculations if he has committed a mistake or a violation against the law that angered the President nor something has tainted his relationship with the administration.
Relieved PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III played a role in the transfer of the custody of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the International Criminal Court, thus, his appointment for the top post in the national police did not sit well with the Duterte supporters. Amid the criticisms, he vowed that the police will be trustworthy under his lead.
Furthermore, Torre also promised a fair implementation of the law as well as swift police response. Marcos Jr. challenged him to keep the police ranks clean.
The Palace has yet to speak on the relief of PNP Chief Nicholas Torre III as of this writing. The relieved official has also not issued any statement. Recently, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla held a press conference over the unexpected turn of events today.
According to the DILG Chief, the relief of PNP chief Nicolas Torre III is simply the choice of Marcos Jr. as he wants the national police to take a different direction. Remulla clarified that Torre did not violate any law and was not charged of any criminal or administrative case.
Recently, Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla also confirmed that Marcos Jr. is considering to offer another government position to relieved PNP chief Nicolas Torre III. Based on a report on GMA News, the DILG Secretary claimed that he knew that there are talks that the President is considering Torre for a position in the government.
“I was privy to a conversation that the President is considering him for another post in government,” Remulla said.
However, according to the DILG Secretary, he does not know which specific position does Marcos Jr. considers to offer to relieved PNP chief Nicolas Torre III and he is not in the position to reveal it. Based on the report, he also stressed that it still depends on Torre if he will accept the offer.
“We will know soon if General Torre will accept. We will have to wait for the President to make the announcement. I am not at liberty to…I actually don’t (know) for a fact of what will be offered to him,” the Interior Secretary said.
Previously, the DILG Secretary also revealed that PLtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez will be the next PNP chief following the relief of Nicolas Torre III.