Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is extending a new government role to former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, following his unexpected removal from the top police position, as confirmed by Malaca±ang on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro informed reporters that the specifics of the position remain undisclosed until Torre consents to the offer. Castro stated, “Hindi pa po natin maisisiwalat ang detalye patungkol po dito pero confirmed po na may inaalok pong posisyon (We cannot reveal details yet but it is confirmed that a position is being offered),” during a press briefing at the Palace.
Torre’s departure from his role was triggered by what Malaca±ang described as ‘irreconcilable issues’ with the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Castro referenced Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s remarks, saying, “Maliwanag naman po siguro ang pagkakasabi ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla kahapon at mayroong mga issues na hindi napagkasunduan at we just have to respect the wisdom of the President on this matter (As Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday, there were issues that were not settled and we just have to respect the wisdom of the President on this matter).”
Castro also addressed rumors of a turbulent transition, emphasizing that Torre has accepted President Marcos’s decision. “Nagkausap naman po sila at alam po natin na naiintindihan ni General Torre kung ano iyon naganap at nirirespeto rin po niya kung ano po iyong naging desisyon ng Pangulo (They spoke, and we know Gen. Torre understands what happened and respects the President’s decision),” she added.
Gen. Torre, who took over the PNP leadership in June, led significant operations, including the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy. When questioned about the nature of the position being offered, Castro declined to confirm if it was a Cabinet post. “Ibibigay po ang detalye kapag po naayos na po at nabigay na po ang pagsang-ayon ni Gen. Torre (Details will be disclosed once everything is finalized and Gen. Torre agrees),” she stated.
