Marcos considering Torre for government post — SILG Remulla

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is considering Police General Nicolas Torre III for a government position following his sudden relief as the chief of the national police, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday. 

“I was privy to a conversation that the President is considering him for another post in government,” Remulla said at a press conference. 

“We will know soon if General Torre will accept,” he added. 

He made the statement when asked what would happen if Torre refuses to retire and give up his four-star position.

“That will be taken up by the NAPOLCOM,” Remulla said.

Asked if the position that will be offered to Torre is in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Remulla refused to disclose the specific possible government position for Torre.

“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 what will be offered to him,” he 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 he can be of use in other positions critical to the nation's development,” he added.

PNP mandatory retirement age

In an ambush interview, Torre’s replacement, PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Melencio Nartatez Jr., was also asked about the possible scenario if the ex-PNP chief refuses to retire.

“In the PNP, of course, if you're not yet retired at the mandatory age of retirement that is 56, nobody can force the PNP to retire kasi karapatan niya yun (because that is his right),” Nartatez said.

“And so dito, of course, may order na relief (There is an order for his relief) and I have my designation order, I follow,” he added.

Asked where Torre will be designated, Nartatez said, “Nandyan sa Office of the Chief PNP or nasa [Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit].”

(In the Office of the Chief PNP or the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit.)

GMA News Online has sought comment from Torre about the possible government position for him but he has yet to respond as of posting time. 

GMA News Online has also asked the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Presidential Communications Office regarding Torre's possible new appointment but both offices have not responded yet. 

Earlier in the day, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that Torre had been relieved as PNP chief effective immediately. 

Just two months and three weeks ago on June 2, Torre took over as the 31st PNP chief.

He became the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to lead the police organization. 

Torre would have had around one year and seven months left to serve as the PNP chief before reaching the retirement age on March 11, 2027. — RSJ/KG, GMA Integrated News