(UPDATE) IN a move described as “difficult but necessary,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. relieved Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and appointed LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., as officer in charge, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday.

“This was not an easy choice, but it was made in the national interest,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, describing the decision as “difficult but necessary.”

He emphasized that Torre’s relief was not due to any criminal or administrative violations, but because the President believed the PNP needed a new direction.

Remulla emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of Torre’s performance.

“He did not violate any laws. He has not been charged criminally or administratively. It is simply a choice of the President to take a new direction for the PNP,” he said.

Remula said the move was partly influenced by Torre’s handling of a recent National Police Commission (Napolcom) resolution on personnel reshuffles, which had reportedly not been followed.

“That, among other things, is part of the consideration of the President,” he said, stressing that the relief was a presidential prerogative, not a sanction from Napolcom.

“The President believes that his national security apparatus must always work within the framework of the law. With the recent developments, he was presented with the facts and determined that the best course of action is to uphold the role of Napolcom as it was intended by law,” Remulla said. “As part of this resolution, the President decided to relieve Police General Torre.”

The secretary said the decision was made to preserve institutional integrity.

“This is not a popularity contest. This is a question of maintaining the integrity of the institutions. We are a country of laws and not of men,” he said.

Despite Torre’s brief tenure — the shortest in PNP history — the President expressed gratitude for his service, which “brought new life and energy into the PNP,” Remulla added.

Torre has been informed of his relief and now has the option to retire or remain in service, with the disposition of his four-star rank to be determined by Napolcom.

Remulla said that President Marcos is considering Torre for another government post, citing his “capacity, organizational strength, and vast experience in the service.”

New PNP chief’s priorities

In his assumption speech, Nartatez outlined his priorities as OIC, highlighting the continuation of the five-minute response policy, strategic community deployment for crime prevention, and a heightened focus on combating cybercrime.

He also pledged to intensify campaigns against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism; enhance security for vital installations and public events; and rigorously implement integrity monitoring across all levels of the PNP.

“We aspire to build a resilient organization that provides a safer, more secure environment for every Filipino, where justice prevails and all can live without fear,” Nartatez said. “Our goal is a new PNP for a new Philippines, guided by integrity, professionalism, and service to the people.”

Marcos has directed Nartatez, together with DILG, to submit a comprehensive citizen security strategy within one month, aimed at increasing police visibility nationwide and ensuring that every Filipino “feels secure in their communities.”

When asked about potential morale issues or internal conflict following the sudden leadership change, Remulla expressed confidence in the PNP’s professionalism.

“We do not expect conflict within the service. Ninety-nine point nine percent of our personnel will uphold their oath to maintain allegiance to the country and to the President,” he said.

Nartatez, formerly the PNP deputy chief for administration, the second-highest position in the national police force, was reassigned to Area Police Commander for Western Mindanao on Aug. 6 by Torre.

The move drew a resolution from the National Police Commission on Aug. 14, ordering Torre to reverse the reassignment and reinstate Nartatez as deputy chief.

Nartatez also previously served as regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office and PNP director for Intelligence.

He served as police director in Ilocos Norte, the home province of President Marcos. He will retire on March 19, 2027.

The appointment followed an Aug. 25 memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, which relieved Torre and recommended Nartatez’s designation.

“You are hereby relieved as Chief, PNP effective immediately,” Bersamin said in a letter addressed to Torre.

The executive secretary, however, did not give any explanation on Torres’ relief.

“For the continuous and efficient delivery of public services in the PNP, you are hereby directed to ensure proper turnover of all matters, documents and information relative to your office,” he added.

Torre took over as the 31st PNP chief and the fourth under the Marcos administration in June. He is the first PNP chief from the Philippine National Police Academy and is scheduled to retire on March 11, 2027.

Duterte allies cheer

Torre led the search and arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder and Duterte ally Apollo Quiboloy, who went into hiding in Davao after he was charged with sex crimes.

Torre was then promoted to chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Marcos sacks PNP Chief Torre, saying it was 'difficult but necessary'

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The leader of that drug war, Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, said Torre might feel the need to retire early and voluntarily give up his fourth star to his replacement, Nartatez.

“There could never be two four-star [generals in the PNP],” Dela Rosa, who was Duterte’s national police chief, said in Filipino.

Dela Rosa said Torre would still get his benefits, and that his relief was “just a routine function of the organization.”

He said it would be against the law to force Torre to retire.

He said that Torre’s removal as head of the 200,000-strong PNP force showed that “anytime you can be relieved, so you have to be ready.”

“I have to be clear about it. I’m angry with him for what he did to pastor Quiboloy and [former] president Duterte. But I pity him because after all he did, he was sacked,” Dela Rosa said.

Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo on Tuesday commended the President “for rectifying an error of judgment” in putting Torre at the helm of the PNP.

“In the first place, Torre should have not been appointed as PNP chief, not being qualified in terms of performance and discipline,” he said in a statement.

Panelo is among Duterte’s allies who blasted Marcos for promoting Torre.

Panelo also labeled Torre as a “bulldog enforcer” who “follows blindly” whatever order the present administration orders him to do.

The former Palace executive also accused Torre of being a “publicity hound” when he started a “circus” by accepting Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s challenge to a boxing match.

In a public event, Torre was declared the winner when the vice mayor didn’t show up for the fistfight that he initiated.

What happens to Torre?

Nartatez said he would reassign Torre to the Office of the Chief PNP or in the Public Information Office (PIO) if he chooses not to retire.

“In the PNP, of course, if you are not yet retired, or [if you have not reached the] mandatory retirement, that is 56, nobody can force a PNP (official) to retire. That is his right,” Nartatez said in an ambush interview on Tuesday after he assumed post as the new chief PNP.

Only 55, Torre still has over a year to go before retirement.

Nartatez said there is no rift between him and Torre.

“We’re OK,” he said. “I don’t find any conflict... we follow orders.”

WITH KRISTINA MARALIT AND BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO