Defying NAPOLCOM order 1 of reasons Torre relieved as PNP chief — SILG Remulla

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said one of the reasons Police General Nicolas Torre III was relieved as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief was his defiance to an order of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on the reassignment of key officials.

In a press conference, Remulla was asked if Torre’s relief was connected to the supposed failure of the former PNP chief to follow the NAPOLCOM’s directive reversing the ex-top cop’s order on the reshuffle of senior police officials.

"That, among other things, is part of the consideration of the President," Remulla said.

Remulla said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. removed Torre from PNP leadership as Marcos decided “to uphold the role of NAPOLCOM as it was intended by law.”

“The Palace affirms that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has made the difficult but necessary decision to relieve PNP Chief PGen Nicolas Torre III of his duties. The President believes that his national security apparatus must always work within the framework of the law,” Remulla said.

“With the recent developments, the President was presented with the facts and he determined that the best course of action is to uphold the role of NAPOLCOM as it was intended by law. As part of this resolution, the President decided to relieve Police Gen. Torre,” he added.

Remulla denied that he recommended Torre's removal, pointing out the move was a presidential prerogative.

“That is a prerogative of the President. I have no say whatsoever, nor did I advise whatsoever. The sole entity to tackle such an appointment or relief is only from the Office of the President,” Remulla said.

Asked if Remulla had disagreements with Torre, the DILG official said "never."

“No, never. PNP chief and I have always had a great relationship. Remember, I only entered as SILG last October and that's the first time I met him. And from then until now, our relationship has… I would care to say that it is stellar,” he said.

“We've never had disagreements and save for the last few days about certain things. Until now, I still consider him not only as a colleague,  but someone who I've gone to battle with and who I trusted big decisions of the President with,” he maintained.

Torre’s relief came after NAPOLCOM issued a resolution reversing and modifying the appointments made by the then PNP chief.

Dated August 14, NAPOLCOM Resolution 2025-0531 ordered the return of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez as Deputy Chief for Administration and Police Lieutenant General Bernard Banac as commander of the Area Police Command (APC) Western Mindanao.

Both officers switched positions earlier this month.

NAPOLCOM also ordered the PNP to immediately issue corresponding orders with regards to the movement of 11 more officials.

Torre thereafter said the PNP and NAPOLCOM have resolved the issue over the recent reshuffling of police officials. He however refused to provide specifics on how the agreement was reached.

Nartatez on Tuesday assumed the PNP leadership as officer-in-charge, replacing Torre. — RF, GMA Integrated News