President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is likely to offer former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III a new position, according to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Remulla said Torre was left with the option to retire early from the PNP following President Marcos’ decision to relieve him from office. The DILG chief, however, noted that Torre might be reappointed to another government position anytime soon.
“The President still believes in his (Torre’s) capacity, in his organizational strength, in his vast experience in the service, so the President believes he can be of use in other positions critical to the nation’s development,” Remulla said.
There has been online public chatter that Torre is the one being eyed to replace National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Jaime Santiago, who has recently tendered his irrevocable resignation, which would explain his sudden departure from the PNP.
Remulla denied reports that he had a rift with Torre after the latter reportedly made a unilateral decision to reassign key officials of the PNP without securing clearance from the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
The DILG acknowledged this development among the reasons behind President Marcos’ “tough but necessary” decision to relieve Torre from his post. Remulla announced then Police Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. as the new PNP chief.
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated.
