Malacañang on Wednesday called on the public to respect President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to relieve Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III, noting that the outgoing police chief himself has accepted the order.
“Huwag naman nating masabi na nagkaroon ng messy transition because nagkausap naman po sila. Alam po natin na naiintindihan ni General Torre kung ano ‘yung naganap at nirerespeto po niya kung ano ‘yung naging desisyon ng Pangulo,” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro in a Palace briefing.
On the reasons behind Torre’s relief, Castro referred to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who earlier cited issues linked to a National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) resolution on police reshuffling that reportedly bypassed the required en banc approval.
“Maliwanag naman po siguro ang pagkakasabi ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla kahapon at mayroong mga issues na hindi napagkasunduan at we just have to respect the wisdom of the President on this matter,” Castro said.
Despite stepping down as PNP chief, Torre has been offered another government post by the President, though Castro withheld further details until an official acceptance is confirmed.
She added that specifics on Torre’s potential new role will be announced once finalized.
Meanwhile, Castro dismissed claims from the Makabayan bloc that Torre’s removal exposed divisions within the administration.
“Hindi po ‘yan nangyayari at hindi po ‘yan ang nakikita natin dahil sabi nga po natin si General Torre ay napakagaling na public servant at maaari pa rin po siya magsilbi sa bayan. So, hindi po natin nakikita kung ano ‘yung nakikita ng Makabayan bloc,” she said.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
