President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, stressing that his relief stemmed from differences with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), not from loss of confidence.
In his BBM Podcast, Marcos Jr. said Torre openly disagreed with NAPOLCOM decisions.
“Talaga sinasabi niya, I (Torre) don’t agree with what they do. Eh pinapaliwag (ko sa kanya), chain of command ‘yan, that’s (NAPOLCOM) the civilian authority. Hindi mo pwedeng hindi-an yan,” the President noted.
“Sabi niya (Torre), hindi ko talaga kaya gawin. Sabi ko, ire-relieve kita. Sabi niya, what can I do? I think he was also like a good commander who was protecting his people.”
Torre was relieved on August 26 and replaced by Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Marcos Jr. repeated that Torre’s exit had nothing to do with performance, calling him “ang galing na pulis.”
The President also recalled Torre’s charity boxing win against acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who failed to show up. He said Torre’s talents in police work will still be put to use.IMT
