Torre takes leave after relief, plans to take the most days allowed

Police General Nicolas Torre III said he took a leave of absence following his removal as chief of the Philippine National Police.

In a chance interview at the House of Representatives, where he visited ML party-list Rep. Leila De Lima, Torre said he continued to support President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., despite his relief from the PNP's helm.

"I took a leave, which I will do. I think this will be the second time in my career. I’m thinking about how long it will be, since it is for the approval of the chief  PNP. I'm planning to use the maximum leave authorized, my vacation leave, my service leave,” Torre said.  

“Obviously, I need the time. I need the time off. I also need the time off to answer reporters,” he added in jest when asked to comment on his removal as PNP chief.

On whether he still supported Marcos, Torre said, "Of course."

"Wala along sama ng loob (I don't have ill-feelings)... I'm a good soldier," he added.

Torre’s relief came after the National Police Commission (Napolcom) reversed his decision to switch the positions of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Police Lieutenant General Bernard Banac.   

Torre had named Banac as the PNP deputy chief for administration, replacing Nartatez, Jr.  On the other hand, Torre assigned Nartatez, Jr. to Banac’s old post as Western Mindanao Area Police Commander.   

Former PNP Chief and Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier said Torre's sudden removal was because his actions exceeded his authority. 

“I always respect the opinion of everybody, especially from a former chief of the PNP. I took note of it and I gave my actions. Now, whether I agree or not, I'll just include it in this statement [that I will issue]. You can deduce it from the statement [I'll make],” Torre said. 

Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan stressed the legality of the August 14 Napolcom Resolution that reversed Torre’s decision of reassigning Nartatez, Jr. and Banac is legal as provided by the laws governing the PNP and Civil Servants.   

“Article 16, Section 6 of the Philippine Constitution states there shall be one police force, national in scope and character, and civilian in character, to be administered and controlled by a Napolcom," Calinisan said.

"There is Republic Act 6975, and there is a Memorandum Circular dated August 12 [2025] that all third level designations should be approved by Napolcom. This August 12 Resolution is not new. This has been in place since the 1990s,” he added.

“Nagkalimutan lang po at some point in time. We just reissued it, and that is why we also issued Resolution No. 2025-0531 [which returned Nartatez, Jr. and Banac to their previous post,” Calinisan added.  

Asked by GMA News Online if he agreed with Calinisan’s pronouncements, Torre said, “We need to do research on that.” –NB, GMA Integrated News