Marcos sacks Torre as PNP chief; marks shortest post stint

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has relieved Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III after barely three months in office, marking the shortest term for a PNP chief, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed on Aug. 26.

The order, signed by Marcos on Aug. 25, cut short Torre’s stint as the country’s top cop just three days before he was set to complete his third month in office.

Torre, appointed in May, was Marcos’ fourth PNP chief and one of the shortest-serving in the institution’s history.

He led the high-profile arrests of former president Rodrigo Duterte in March and religious leader Apollo Quiboloy in September 2024.

Torre was the first PNP chief to come from the Philippine National Police Academy, beating Philippine Military Academy graduates like his deputy, Police Lieutenant General Melencio Nartatez Jr.

Before becoming chief, he served as PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, Davao Region police chief, and Quezon City Police District director.

His removal came amid friction with the National Police Commission (Napolcom), which has administrative control over the police.

Interior Secretary and Napolcom chairperson Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the commission overturned some of Torre’s reassignments, including Nartatez’s supposed transfer to Western Mindanao.

Napolcom also issued a memorandum requiring review of all appointments and assignments of officers from colonel to general.

Makabayan lawmakers said the sudden removal reflected “escalating internal conflicts and systemic breakdown” within the Marcos administration.

“Ang patuloy na rigodon at awayan sa loob ng PNP ay nagpapatunay sa lumalalim na hidwaan sa administrasyong Marcos,” said Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio.

Former Senator and Police Chief Panfilo Lacson said Torre may have acted “beyond his authority” when he unilaterally relieved Nartatez.

“The designation and relief of the members of the PNP Command Group should be cleared with the President or at least the ex-officio chairman of the Napolcom,” Lacson said.

Lacson stressed the importance of a smooth transition so the PNP can continue its mission to “serve and protect.”

The Department of the Interior and Local Government confirmed that Nartatez will succeed Torre as PNP chief