DILG removes PNP Chief Torre, appoints Nartatez

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced Tuesday that General Nicolas Torre III was relieved from his position as head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Torre's reassignment of several high-ranking officials, including Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who was reassigned to Mindanao, was a factor in his removal.

Nartatez will replace Torre as PNP chief following the reshuffle that was blocked by the National Police Commission earlier this month.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the decision was 'difficult but necessary' and aimed at upholding national security within legal frameworks.

Remulla emphasized that the President's move reflects a commitment to ensuring unity and collaboration across government departments responsible for security, peace, and order.

Before his designation as PNP chief, Torre had been praised for leading operations against former President Rodrigo Duterte and suspected sex offender Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.