Marcos Jr. confirms PNP chief's removal for defying Napolcom order

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. confirmed that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III was removed for defying a National Police Commission (Napolcom) order to reverse the reassignment of senior PNP officials.

The President emphasized the clear chain of command, where civilian authority, represented by Napolcom, holds supremacy over the police organization.

The specific Napolcom resolution dated August 14 ordered the reinstatement of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez as deputy chief for administration and Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac as Area Police Command-Western Mindanao commander.

Banac and Nartatez had switched posts on August 6 upon Torre's order.

Marcos stated that Napolcom possesses "very specific powers" concerning appointments in the PNP, and Torre's actions indicated a disregard for this authority.