MARCOS’ DECISION TO RELIEVE TORRE IS IN THE NATION’S BEST INTEREST – PALACE

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday urged the public to respect President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to replace Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III, who himself has expressed respect for the order.

“Huwag naman nating masabi na nagkaroon ng messy transition because nagkausap naman po sila. Alam po natin na naiintindihan ni Gen. Torre kung ano ‘yung naganap at nirerespeto po niya kung ano ‘yung naging desisyon ng Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Asked about the reasons behind Torre’s relief, Castro referred to the statement of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who earlier pointed to issues related to a National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) resolution on police reshuffling. The resolution 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 his departure from the PNP, Castro confirmed that President Marcos had offered Torre another position in government but declined to provide further details pending formal acceptance.

Castro said that details about Torre’s potential new role in the administration will be announced once finalized.

In response to claims by the Makabayan bloc that Torre’s removal reflects internal cracks in the administration, Castro firmly dismissed the speculation.

“Hindi po ‘yan nangyayari at hindi po ‘yan ang nakikita natin dahil sabi nga po natin si Gen. 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,” Castro said.