Former PNP chief Nicolas Torre III. ARCHIVE

Malacañang has confirmed that Police General Nicolas Torre III, who was recently relieved as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has been offered a new post in government. “Confirm po na may inaalok na posisyon (It is confirmed that he is being offered a new post),” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters on Wednesday (August 27). She declined to specify the position but stressed that the President’s decision must be respected. Earlier, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was considering Torre for another role. “I was privy to a conversation that the President is considering him for another post in government,” Remulla said. Torre’s removal was ordered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 25, ending his tenure after just 85 days, making it one of the shortest in the PNP’s history. He was succeeded by Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the officer he had controversially demoted without clearance from Malacañang or the National Police Commission (Napolcom). ALSO READ: What happens next for Torre? Former senator and ex-PNP chief Panfilo Lacson criticized Torre for “acting beyond his authority” in removing his deputy without presidential approval. Senator Imee Marcos said she had warned Torre of the consequences: “That will come back to you… and I apologize, I had no idea it would happen this way.” Despite his short term, Torre oversaw high-profile operations, including the enforcement of a controversial Interpol warrant against former president Rodrigo Duterte and the arrest of preacher Apollo Quiboloy. Castro said Torre “understands and respects the decision of the President,” stressing that the transition was not messy. Torre, the first PNP Academy alumnus to become PNP chief, was originally due to serve until his retirement in March 2027. CAM/Expat Media
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