President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. confirmed on Tuesday that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III was removed from his post for failing to recognize the chain of command and defying directives from the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
In his first public remarks on the issue, Marcos emphasized that the civilian authority of Napolcom must be respected, as it holds a clear mandate over the PNP.
“It was because he did not agree with the directives that were coming out of Napolcom," Marcos told reporters while in his 3-day visit in Cambodia.
"And there is a very clear chain of command. The civilian authority is the overweening authority when it comes to the police, because the police is essentially technically a civilian organization. And NAPOLCOM is the civilian authority that has very specific powers in terms of the appointments. And that's where they disagreed,” he said.
In a separate interview, President reiterated reason of removing Torre and said the ex-chief was given multiple opportunities to comply but refused.
“Napakasimple lang hindi talaga sila magkasundo ng Napolcom,” Marcos emphasized.
“We had many discussions beforehand. Hindi lang daw talaga niya magawa,” Marcos added.
The President clarified that Torre’s relief was not due to alleged attempts to reinstate dismissed officers linked to illegal drugs, rejecting speculation surrounding the dismissal.
“I think he was also a good commander, he was protecting his people...Ang galing na pulis. Don’t worry kapag may nakilala ako na marunong na ganyan. It just has to find his niche kung ano ba talaga ‘yung well speciality niya is police work. We’ll find a way to avail of his talents,” Marcos said.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier revealed that one key reason for Torre’s removal was his refusal to follow Napolcom’s order on the reassignment of certain officials.
When asked if Torre could be tapped for the planned independent commission to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control projects, Marcos gave a short reply.
“Abangan ang susunod na kabanata," he said.
