President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has relieved Gen. Nicolas Torre III as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) effective immediately.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed a memorandum dated August 25, 2025, directing Torre to ensure the proper turnover of all matters, documents, and information relative to his office to maintain the efficient delivery of public service.
Malacañang has yet to explain the reason behind Torre’s removal. When asked to confirm the order, Bersamin simply said “yes.”
Torre was scheduled to appear in a press conference today with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, but this has been cancelled. In a later advisory, the DILG said Remulla will preside over the said press conference.
He assumed the top PNP post last June as successor to retired Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, who had overseen the 230,000-strong national police force through a period marked by intensified campaigns against illegal drugs, organized crime, and online scams.
